Malaysia Mandates Speed-Limitation Devices for Heavy Vehicles Starting October 2025
Putrajaya, 16 June 2025 — In a significant move to curb road accidents involving heavy vehicles, the Malaysian government has announced that all lorries, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles must be equipped with speed-limitation devices starting 1 October 2025.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed the decision in response to a series of tragic accidents involving heavy vehicles, most notably the recent Gerik bus crash that claimed 15 lives and injured 33 others. The mandatory installation aims to cap the maximum speed of these vehicles at 90 km/h, in line with existing road safety regulations for commercial transport.
“This is not just a reactionary measure — it is a proactive move to ensure that our roads are safer for everyone. We are enforcing what has long been part of our regulatory framework, and we will no longer compromise on compliance,” said Loke during a press conference.
Source: JPJ social media post via Facebook
Background: A Tragic Catalyst
The tragic accident in Gerik involving a chartered bus carrying university students reignited public outrage over heavy vehicle safety standards. Investigations revealed no mechanical faults, shifting attention to human error and enforcement gaps.
This prompted the Transport Ministry to re-evaluate long-standing road safety measures, many of which had not been fully enforced — particularly the requirement for speed limiters on heavy vehicles, a rule that has existed on paper but seen limited compliance.
Enforcement and Compliance
The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and Road Transport Department (JPJ) will begin nationwide inspections in July 2025, giving transport companies a three-month grace period to install the necessary equipment. After October, non-compliant operators face fines, license suspension, or even revocation.
According to Loke, the government will work with approved suppliers to ensure adequate availability of speed-limitation devices and provide technical guidance to fleet operators.
Industry Reaction
Logistics associations have largely welcomed the measure, citing it as a needed push to professionalize the sector. However, some smaller operators have requested government subsidies or tax incentives to offset installation costs.
Looking Ahead
This policy shift reflects Malaysia’s broader commitment to reduce traffic fatalities under its Road Safety Plan 2022–2030, which targets a 50% reduction in road deaths by the end of the decade.
As Anthony Loke concluded:
“Lives lost on the road are not just statistics. They are our children, our workers, our families. If we can save even one life by slowing down a lorry or a bus — then it’s worth every effort.”
