A tragic six-vehicle collision on the North-South Expressway in Ayer Keroh claimed the lives of seven people, including a female bus passenger who died at the scene.
North-South Expressway Tragedy Highlights Urgent Need for Tyre Safety and Truck Maintenance
The incident, which occurred on 24th December, 2024, also left 33 individuals injured, drawing public and governmental attention to road safety concerns.
The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of Malaysia’s Road Transport Act. According to Puspakom Chief Executive Officer Mahmood Razak Bahman, initial findings suggest the crash was caused by a detached tanker lorry tyre. The tyre, believed to have come loose due to a damaged small axle, was reportedly lying in the middle of the road before the collision, as confirmed by the driver and witnesses.
On 6th January, police confirmed that the lorry tyre involved in the accident had not been inspected by Puspakom, raising concerns about compliance with safety regulations. Mahmood emphasised the critical role of commercial vehicle owners in ensuring their tyres meet government durability and safety standards.
The Tyre Retreading Manufacturers Association of Malaysia (TRMAM) also highlighted the importance of regular tyre inspections and maintenance. TRMAM President Wong Jin How stated that properly manufactured retreaded tyres are as safe as new ones when they meet stringent standards. He cited the MS 224:2019 standard, overseen by the Department of Standards Malaysia, which mandates safety and quality requirements for retreaded tyres in the country.
This standard, titled “Retreaded Pneumatic Tyres for Motor Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles, and Their Trailers – Specification (Third Revision),” involves collaboration from key stakeholders such as the Road Transport Department (RTD), Malaysian Institute of Road Safety, and Puspakom, among others. Wong noted that compliance with this standard is mandatory and regularly reviewed to address evolving safety challenges.
The Malaysian retreading industry also adheres to internationally recognised regulations, such as the European Union’s ECE R108/R109 standards, which cover all aspects of tyre retreading, including material selection, production processes, and final inspections.
Proper truck and tyre maintenance were also emphasised by a representative from a truck distributor. “Scheduled maintenance, the use of genuine parts, reliable service providers, and well-trained technicians are crucial for preventing accidents, reducing unexpected costs, and maximising productivity,” the representative said.
However, the investigation into the fatal collision continues. Alor Gajah police chief Superintendent Ashari Abu Samah revealed that investigators were unable to locate the detached tyre at the crash site, adding complexity to the case.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vital role tyre safety and well-maintained vehicles play in preventing accidents and saving lives on Malaysian roads.
