Road safety: Loke urges JPJ to stay tough
Former Transport Minister Anthony Loke has urged the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) to continue prioritising road safety, particularly through firm enforcement against overloaded vehicles, illegal racing and speeding.
Table of Contents
Key takeaways
- Anthony Loke urged JPJ to maintain firm enforcement against overloaded vehicles, illegal racing and speeding.
- Loke said the fight against vehicle overloading should continue regardless of changes in Transport Ministry leadership.
- He said existing legal amendments have already given JPJ officers enforcement powers over relevant offences.
- MIROS was urged to continue contributing research and expertise to strengthen road safety measures.
- Loke said road safety should be treated as a national priority focused on protecting human lives, rather than as a political issue.
Loke calls for road safety efforts to continue
Former Transport Minister Anthony Loke has called on JPJ and MIROS to continue strengthening road safety efforts following his departure from the Transport Ministry.
Loke made the remarks during the ministry's monthly assembly on 11 November 2026, which was his final appearance at the ministry after his resignation took effect the previous day.
He stressed that road safety efforts should not depend on who leads the ministry. Instead, enforcement and safety measures should continue as part of a wider national responsibility.
Expert tip: Drivers can contribute to road safety by keeping a safe speed, maintaining a proper following distance and avoiding risky behaviour, particularly around heavy vehicles.
Why overloading remains a road safety concern
One of Loke's main messages was that enforcement against overloaded vehicles must continue even after his tenure as transport minister.
He described the fight against overloading as a national mission because of its potential impact on human safety and lives. He also urged JPJ to maintain strict enforcement regardless of changes in leadership at the Transport Ministry.
Loke also said that legal amendments relating to relevant offences had already been enacted and that enforcement powers had been given to JPJ officers.
Common mistake: Assuming enforcement will automatically become less strict after a change in ministry leadership. Loke's message was that road safety enforcement should continue regardless of who holds the ministerial position.
JPJ urged to act against key offences
Loke specifically called on JPJ to maintain strict action against three major road safety concerns: overloaded vehicles, illegal racing and speeding.
He said these offences can endanger other road users and that JPJ should use the enforcement powers already provided under the law.
Illegal racing is also covered by recent changes to Malaysia's road transport laws. The Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026 introduced Section 42A, which specifically addresses racing or speed testing involving two or more motor vehicles on a road.
For drivers, the message is straightforward: existing road rules and enforcement measures continue to apply even when there are changes in political or ministerial leadership.
Why road safety must remain a priority
Loke said road safety should not be viewed as an issue belonging to one minister or as a political matter. Instead, he described it as an issue involving human lives.
He also highlighted the emotional impact of two major road tragedies involving UPSI students and Federal Reserve Unit personnel. According to Loke, the incidents contributed to the ministry's efforts to introduce policy changes, new initiatives and stronger road safety measures.
Loke further expressed hope that MIROS would continue providing research and technical expertise to help strengthen road safety measures under future ministry leadership.
What this means for Malaysian drivers
For everyday motorists, the key takeaway is that road safety enforcement is expected to remain an important responsibility for JPJ regardless of changes at the Transport Ministry.
Drivers should continue following speed limits, avoid illegal racing and drive carefully around commercial vehicles. Motorists should also remember that overloaded vehicles can create additional risks for other road users.
Recent changes to Malaysia's road transport laws have also strengthened the enforcement framework for several road safety-related offences. Motorists can refer to official government channels for the latest requirements and enforcement information.
Conclusion
Anthony Loke's final message to the Transport Ministry was that road safety efforts should continue regardless of changes in leadership. With JPJ urged to maintain firm action against overloading, illegal racing and speeding, road safety remains a responsibility that affects every Malaysian road user.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What did Anthony Loke ask JPJ to do?
Anthony Loke asked JPJ to continue strict enforcement against overloaded vehicles, illegal racing and speeding.
2. Why did Loke say the fight against overloading must continue?
Loke said combating vehicle overloading is a national mission because it concerns road safety and human lives.
3. Will road safety enforcement stop after Loke's resignation?
No. Loke said road safety enforcement should continue regardless of changes in Transport Ministry leadership.
4. What offences did Loke specifically mention?
He specifically mentioned vehicle overloading, illegal racing and speeding as offences requiring firm enforcement.
5. What role does MIROS have in road safety?
MIROS provides research and expertise that can help the Transport Ministry strengthen road safety measures.
6. Did Loke say road safety is a political issue?
No. Loke said road safety should not be viewed as a political issue but as an issue involving human lives.
7. Does Malaysia's updated road transport law cover illegal racing?
Yes. The Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026 introduced Section 42A, which specifically addresses racing or speed testing involving two or more motor vehicles on a road.
8. What should drivers do after changes in Transport Ministry leadership?
Drivers should continue following road rules, including speed limits and restrictions against dangerous driving, regardless of changes in ministry leadership.
9. Why is vehicle overloading dangerous?
Vehicle overloading can create additional road safety risks, which is why enforcement against overloaded vehicles remains an important road safety concern.
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