Builders say crackdown on overloaded lorries could delay projects across country

• In a joint statement, Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM), Persatuan Kontraktor Bumiputra Malaysia (PKBM) and Persatuan Kontraktor India Malaysia (PKIM) said the sudden enforcement, introduced without a transition period, risks paralysing the construction sector.

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 24): Just 10 days into the Transport Ministry’s crackdown on overloaded lorries, construction groups have warned that the move could delay project deliveries, disrupt budgets and slow key housing and infrastructure projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

In a joint statement, Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM), Persatuan Kontraktor Bumiputra Malaysia (PKBM) and Persatuan Kontraktor India Malaysia (PKIM) said the sudden enforcement, introduced without a transition period, risks paralysing the construction sector.

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They said the strict penalties—including fines, lorry seizures and Land Public Transport Agency referrals—have forced trucks to carry smaller loads, leading to double the trips, higher fuel costs and delivery delays.

Other key problems include:

• A shortage of local drivers due to new manpower rules.
• Material shortages at concrete plants, especially cement, sand and aggregate.
• Rising quarry prices and higher haulage fees, which will increase construction costs.
• Risk of liquidated ascertained damages for project delays.

They said with a focus on high-risk 'hotspot' routes in the nation, delays in material deliveries could extend from weeks to months. For instance, a single seized tipper lorry carrying aggregates could halt work on multiple sites, compounding labour idle time.

“In order for the industry to supply as per current demand, we need to double the supply of machineries and manpower of which is impossible to get as a replacement overnight. The supply chain needs time to mobilise and obtain resources, trucks and drivers to fulfil the current demand,” the associations said.

The associations urged the Transport Ministry and Road Transport Department to work with industry players, introduce a grace period or phased implementation and hold immediate discussions to prevent further project delays and supply chain disruptions.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the operation, from Oct 15 to Dec 31, targets overloaded vehicles in five main zones—North, Central, South, East and Borneo—focusing on quarries, ports and industrial areas.

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