KUCHING: Kota Sentosa State assemblyman Wilfred Yap expressed concern over calls to raise lorry weight limits, stressing that public safety and long-term costs must not be compromised in road policy decisions.
“I have taken note of the recent call by Michael Kong, Chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Sarawak, urging the Public Works Department (JKR) to review and increase lorry weight limits to match road specifications.
While the intention may be to facilitate faster delivery of construction materials for government projects, such a suggestion is, unfortunately, not well thought out,” Yap said.
He warned that heavier loads could accelerate road deterioration, impose higher maintenance costs on taxpayers, and jeopardise public safety by increasing accident risks. “Rules on lorry weight are not arbitrary restrictions as they are safeguards to protect lives, infrastructure, and the rakyat’s investment,” he stressed.
Yap pointed out that many rural and feeder roads are not built to Grade 1 standards and would be overburdened by increased weight limits. He said any proposal for changes must be supported by data, technical studies, and long-term safety considerations, rather than political pressure.
“Instead of relaxing enforcement, a smarter approach should be taken to balance project efficiency with public safety through improved logistics planning. Suppliers and contractors should plan responsibly and absorb logistical challenges, rather than shifting the burden onto the public,” he said.
By Connie Chieng