The Malaysia Tipper Lorry Operators’ Association has voiced concerns about the prevalent practice of blaming lorry drivers whenever accidents occur. Datuk Michael Loo Leep Chye, the association’s chairman, emphasised that numerous issues in the lorry industry stem from unclear guidelines and laws regarding loaded weight (BDM) and unladen weight (BTM). These ambiguities often lead to operational challenges and potentially unsafe practices.

According to NST, Loo highlighted that the knee-jerk reaction of enforcement agencies to make arrests after accidents doesn’t effectively address the root problems. He argued against laying the blame solely on lorry drivers, asserting that they should not be unfairly targeted as if they were criminals. He did, however, acknowledge that if drivers or operators are found to be negligent or excessively overloading their lorries, appropriate actions should be taken.