MOT Moves To Curb Illegal Retreaded Tyres With New Detection Tech

The Transport Ministry (MOT) is ramping up efforts to stop the use of illegal retreaded tyres by exploring new detection methods like security stamps, QR codes, and RFID technology.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the initiative, in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), aims to ensure only tyres that meet strict safety standards are allowed on heavy vehicles.

Citing a MIROS study, Hasbi said human error remains the biggest cause of road accidents at 80.6%, followed by road conditions at 13.2% and vehicle faults at 6.2%.

"There is no denying that there is a trend of increasing road accidents involving heavy vehicles due to tyre or driver failure

"However, the study found that only a small part of the incidents were caused by the failure of retread tyres, while the majority stemmed from new pneumatic tyres and mechanical failures of the heavy vehicle itself," he told Parliament.

Responding to Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah Wee Tse, Hasbi said the issue needs a holistic view from production and imports to usage and enforcement involving multiple ministries and agencies.

To tighten control, MOT has gazetted UN and Malaysian Standards into vehicle regulations, strengthened inspections at Puspakom, and stepped up coordination with Customs and the Domestic Trade Ministry to monitor tyre imports.

The minister also urged transport companies to carry out pre-trip tyre checks and continue educating drivers on tyre safety.

“MOT is committed to ensuring every tyre, whether new or retreaded, meets safety and quality standards

"We’ll keep improving laws, enforcement, labelling, import controls, and public education to reduce accidents caused by tyre failure,” he added.