Truck Operators Give 48-Hour Ultimatum, Loke Stands Firm On Load Limits

Truck operators across Malaysia have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, demanding answers to a 26-point memorandum addressing long-standing frustrations with road transport rules. 

The move comes just as Loke made it clear in Parliament that the government will not ease enforcement on overloaded lorries, despite pressure from operators and even MPs.

The memorandum was handed over during a peaceful rally outside Parliament, attended by the Malaysian Truck Operators Association and Malaysian Truck Drivers Association. 

Datuk Dr Kalai Vanar, speaking for the groups, said the industry is struggling under strict JPJ enforcement and heavy fines.

Credit: Sinar Harian.

“Repeatedly, I have said we are not threatening anyone. We are here to deliver a memorandum. Why is it that a full minister, earning a substantial salary, more than RM60,000, I believe does not come down to address us? 

"I therefore give Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook 48 hours for a response. Truck operators are suffering, trucks are being seized, licences revoked. What kind of law is this? Laws that make no sense,” he said in a Sinar Harian report.

Key demands include reviewing demerit points, employer permit summonses, operating-hour restrictions, weight and height limits, and reducing fines. 

The groups also want existing summonses cancelled and licences reinstated, with instalment payment options. Dr Kalai warned a bigger rally could follow if their concerns are ignored.

“If our memorandum is not heeded, there will be a 2.0 gathering… we will not overturn police vehicles or damage government property, but we have proper ways to make our voices heard," he stressed.

Meanwhile, Loke defended the government’s tough stance, framing the crackdown as a safety issue rather than a political or financial one.

“This is not a political issue, but this is a safety issue that involves human lives. This is not about dollars and cents,” he said. 

Loke rejected calls for a “soft-landing" and stressed that protests would not change enforcement.

With both sides dug in, this is shaping up to be a long battle between the ministry and truck operators, as Anthony Loke has made it clear that enforcement will continue no matter the protests or political pressure.