Puspakom - New Brake Inspection Rules for Heavy Vehicles

Puspakom has started enforcing a new brake inspection protocol for heavy vehicles, following a directive from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to improve road safety. The revised standards came into effect on Jan 12 and apply to lorries undergoing mandatory inspections nationwide.

Under the updated checks, heavy vehicles will fail inspection if their brake settings are excessively tight or overly loose, both of which increase the risk of poor control, longer stopping distances and serious accidents, especially during emergency braking or downhill driving.

Puspakom CEO Mahmood Razak Bahman said the changes form part of JPJ’s stricter enforcement requirements, which the inspection company is mandated to carry out. He stressed that brake performance remains one of the most critical safety elements for heavy vehicles.

One of the key areas now receiving closer scrutiny is brake drag force, which refers to resistance within the braking system even when the pedal is not engaged. Excessive drag can indicate partially engaged brakes, leading to heat build-up and diminished braking efficiency over time.

Mahmood acknowledged that while most operators comply with safety standards, a small number have been adjusting brake settings temporarily to pass inspections before reverting them later for convenience. He said this practice puts both drivers and other road users at risk.

The new inspection approach is meant to close that loophole by assessing brakes based on safe operating conditions rather than short-term adjustments, ensuring vehicles remain roadworthy after leaving inspection centres.

Mahmood urged owners and operators to ensure brake systems are properly calibrated and maintained by certified workshops, adding that inspections should be seen as a safety measure, not a hurdle, as the condition of heavy vehicles affects everyone on the road.