Heavy Vehicle Safety Checks Cover More Than Brakes - Puspakom

Puspakom has pushed back against claims that its inspections only look at brakes, stressing that heavy vehicles undergo full safety checks on multiple systems in line with global standards.

CEO Mahmood Razak Bahaman said the process covers far more than braking. 

“Our checks include tyres, chassis, engine, exhaust emissions, suspension, steering, lighting, and windows,” he explained.

Mahmood noted that commercial and public service vehicles are inspected every six months under Road Transport Department (JPJ) rules, with procedures aligned to standards set by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

The response comes after the recent Bukit Kajang toll plaza crash, which sparked criticism that inspections were too narrow to prevent accidents involving heavy vehicles.

“For the benefit of public clarity and road safety stakeholders, it is important to address these misconceptions with facts

“After certification, a vehicle’s condition may evolve due to external and operational factors, which falls outside the inspection environment,” he stressed.

He pointed out that risks such as overloading, poor cargo distribution, harsh road conditions, extreme weather, and component wear can still compromise safety between inspections, making regular upkeep essential.

Mahmood added that safe roads depend not just on vehicle standards, but also on driver competency. Recruitment, licensing, health checks, and continuous training all play a role in keeping standards high.

Fleet operators, he stressed, must take responsibility for screening and monitoring drivers. 

"Defensive driving is especially important for heavy vehicle operators, who need to manage slopes, maintain safe distances, and respond to emergencies using techniques such as engine braking and controlled manoeuvres," he concluded.