A directive from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) sees Puspakom implementing a revised brake inspection protocol for lorries and other heavy vehicles that is already in effect. The directive stems from the Ministry of Transport with the aim of mitigating unsafe brake settings seen on heavy vehicles. Under the protocol, heavy vehicles will fail the
A directive from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) sees Puspakom implementing a revised brake inspection protocol for lorries and other heavy vehicles that is already in effect.
The directive stems from the Ministry of Transport with the aim of mitigating unsafe brake settings seen on heavy vehicles. Under the protocol, heavy vehicles will fail the inspection if brake settings are found to be excessively tight or excessively loose, leading to conditions that can significantly increase the risk of loss of control, longer stopping distances and serious road accidents involving other motorists.
JPJ routinely updates its enforcement standards and the revised brake inspection protocol are part of the latest exercise with Puspakom mandated to implement as a vehicle inspection company.
Delving into details, Puspakom Chief Executive Officer, Mahmood Razak Bahman, explained that the protocols centre around drag force, which refers to resistance in the braking system that occurs even before the brake pedal is applied. If not set precisely, the brake system could harbour excessive drag force that indicate the brakes may already be partially engaged, causing excessive heat build-up and reducing braking efficiency over time.
While Mahmood acknowledged that the majority of vehicle owners and operators comply with the standards, a small number temporarily adjust brake settings to pass inspections before reverting the system for operational convenience.
Under the new parameters, braking systems will be assessed based on safe operational parameters, rather than short-term adjustments made solely for inspection purposes. This approach helps prevent unsafe vehicles from returning to the road in an unsafe condition.
The enhanced inspection approach is designed to:
- Deter unsafe practices and improper brake adjustments
- Protect compliant operators from unfair competition
- Reduce the risk of heavy vehicle-related accidents on public roads
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. While Puspakom conducts inspections, the safety of a vehicle ultimately depends on responsible maintenance by owners, operators, workshops, and drivers,” said Mahmood.
He strongly urged heavy vehicle owners and operators to work with certified workshops to ensure brake systems are properly calibrated and maintained before the inspections are carried out.
“We urge all vehicle owners and operators to treat inspections as a safety safeguard, not a hurdle, because the condition of every heavy vehicle on the road affects the lives of everyone around it,” he concluded.