Illegal Tyre Retreading Operation Using Fake MS 224 Labels Exposed

A tyre retreading operation using false Malaysian Standard (MS) 224 labels to deceive authorities was uncovered during a raid by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Selangor recently.

KPDN Enforcement Director, Azman Adam, stated that the joint operation involved a month-long investigation and surveillance leading to the raid with joint participation from the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), Department of Standards Malaysia (JSM) and SIRIM Berhad.

The operation which began at 8:30AM led to the seizure of 262 retreaded pneumatic tyres and several business documents valued at RM80,410. These items were taken from premises suspected of manufacturing and distributing non-compliant tyres.

Azman further added, “Investigations revealed the manufacturer did not hold certification from SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd but still labeled their tyres with the MS 224 standard.”

This act violates the Trade Descriptions (Marking of Pneumatic Tyres) Order 2012 and poses a significant safety risk to road users. Further inquiries found that the manufacturer’s license to use the MS 224 label had expired in 2023, yet they continued labeling their products illegally.

In 2023, KPDN received 194 complaints related to retreaded tyres. This number surged to 296 last year, with 28 complaints lodged as of Feb 12, 2025. Concerned consumers flagged these tyres due to safety risks.

“We will not tolerate any violations of the law, especially those endangering public safety. The investigation is ongoing, and the case will be handled under Section 29(2) of the Trade Descriptions Act 2011,” Azman added.

Meanwhile, JPJ Director-General Aedy Fadly Ramli revealed that his department is reviewing additional procedures to enhance compliance.

“We are considering mandating Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centers (Puspakom) to label tyres after inspection to ensure adherence to the MS 224 standard,” Aedy said.

He emphasised that stricter monitoring of retreaded tyres in the market is essential to prevent consumers from being deceived by non-compliant and unsafe products.

Recently, Jimmy Puah, Tebrau MP, called for a ban on retreaded tyres, citing safety concerns and highlighting that retreaded tyres contributed to 10,000 accidents in 2019, a figure likely higher in 2025.

Source: FMT