Puspakom suggests the Bukit Kajang incident was not due to shortcomings from its own inspection.
Following the tragic accident at the Bukit Kajang Toll Plaza, PUSPAKOM has issued a statement to clarify its inspection role after public debate suggested shortcomings in heavy vehicle checks.
PUSPAKOM Chief Executive Officer Mahmood Razak Bahaman extended condolences to the victims’ families while stressing that the agency’s inspections are designed to verify whether a vehicle meets safety standards at the point of inspection. Once certified, he explained, the ongoing condition of a vehicle can be influenced by operational and external factors beyond the inspection environment.
Inspections Go Beyond Brake Checks
Responding to claims that inspections focus too narrowly on brake systems, PUSPAKOM highlighted that its procedures cover a wide range of safety-critical systems. Commercial and public service vehicles undergo a comprehensive multi-point inspection, which includes:
- Brake systems: Service, parking, and emergency brakes checked for efficiency and balance.
- Wheels and tyres: Condition, alignment, tread depth, and wheel nut integrity.
- Chassis, body and suspension: Structural integrity, shock absorbers, and axle joints.
- Engine, exhaust, and transmission: Safety and emissions compliance.
- Steering, lighting, windows, and mirrors: Functional and regulatory checks.
Malaysia’s inspection framework is aligned with UNECE standards, which are internationally recognised benchmarks for vehicle safety.
External and Operational Factors
Even after passing inspection, vehicles can face safety risks due to overloading, poor maintenance, environmental conditions, and road surfaces. To mitigate these, commercial vehicles must undergo inspections every six months.
Mahmood stressed that operator responsibility and regular upkeep are essential between inspection intervals to maintain safety standards.
Driver Competency Matters Too
Beyond vehicle condition, driver competency plays a decisive role in road safety. Mahmood pointed out that heavy vehicle drivers must be carefully selected, trained, and regularly monitored. Skills such as defensive driving, managing speed on gradients, and emergency braking techniques are vital to prevent accidents.
“Without capable and well-trained drivers, the safety value of a well-maintained vehicle is significantly reduced,” Mahmood said.
Cooperation With Authorities
PUSPAKOM reiterated its commitment to supporting the ongoing investigation and urged the public not to focus on a single vehicle component when assessing such incidents. Instead, attention must be given to a combination of technical standards, proper maintenance, and driver competency as part of Malaysia’s wider road safety framework.
