It appears that the truck ban on highways causes more cons than pros
On 21 February 2025, major associations in Malaysia’s transport sector, AMH, MTF, MTLOA, MMCOA and PULSE, jointly addressed the significant disruptions caused by the recent truck ban during peak hours on major highways. The ban, which affects DUKE and ELITE highways, came into effect on 19 February 2025 and has raised alarm across the industry.
Among these causes for concern are operational disruptions and increased costs. The truck ban, implemented without consultation, is severely disrupting operations. The bans are causing delays, additional fuel consumption and increased service costs. This inefficiency could extend the journey by a full day, thus impacting income and productivity.
Moreover, the ban has also caused added traffic congestion. The truck ban is causing trucks to divert to alternative routes, exacerbating traffic congestion on other already congested roads, such as MMR2. This shift not only worsens the overall traffic flow but also delays commuters and places additional strain on the country’s road infrastructure.
The ban also caused safety and environmental concerns as it increased the chances of trucks being forced to park in emergency lanes, creating hazardous situations. Furthermore, longer routes result in higher CO2 emissions, which contradicts efforts to reduce environmental impact. Trucks idling during rest periods also contribute to pollution and inefficiency.
On top of that, the ban negatively impacts the economy as the additional costs incurred from longer routes and delays will ultimately be passed down to consumers. The trucking industry’s financial burden could affect Malaysia’s economy, particularly as drivers may seek alternative employment. Malaysia is already facing a global shortage of drivers, exacerbating this issue.
Lastly, the ban highlighted the inadequate rest facilities. R&R areas, already insufficient for the number of truck drivers, will be further strained. As a result, drivers might have to park in unsafe locations, increasing the risk of accidents and creating an uncomfortable working environment for the drivers.
The trucking industry is vital to Malaysia’s economy, with over 10,000 trucks operating in the Klang Valley alone. During the pandemic, it was evident that trucks play a crucial role in maintaining the supply chain, and this remains true as Malaysia continues to be a key regional transportation hub.
The associations have urged the government to reconsider the truck ban, pointing to successful models from other countries, such as Jakarta, where public transportation and restricted vehicle access to city centers have proven effective in managing road congestion without hurting the transport sector.
We got all this from Asian Trucker and their full article is linked here. Thank you Asian Trucker for the information and images.
