SLD rule implementation for commercial vehicles will be carried out in three phases. Anthony Loke urged Dewan Rakyat members to support the initiative.
No Speed Limiter, No Road Access – Anthony Loke
Commercial vehicles without a Speed Limitation Device (SLD) will not be allowed to operate as they will fail inspections once the phased enforcement of the system begins on October 1, 2025, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
During a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (7/29), Transport Minister Anthony Loke explained that the implementation of the SLD is a crucial step in controlling the speed of heavy vehicles and reducing the risk of fatal accidents like what happened in Gerik last month.
“What happened in Gerik recently, involving the tour bus that was carrying UPSI students, is that the bus was found to be speeding excessively,” said Loke in a video published on his official Facebook page.
“Based on analysis by the special task force, including our technical team from MIROS, we estimate the bus was travelling at 117 km/h at the time of the accident; far above the acceptable limit, especially when descending a hill. That is what made the accident so tragic and caused so many fatalities,” he added.
Speed limitation, according to Loke, has long been mandatory in European countries and Singapore. He understands that there might be some pushback from industry players, especially due to increased costs.
However, Loke is adamant that the speed limitation system is no longer negotiable in Malaysia. “If a vehicle does not have this system, it will not pass vehicle inspection and will not be allowed on the road. Any pushback should be met with the reminder that safety must take priority over costs and business profits,” he reiterated.
SLD is an automatic speed control system that functions to electronically limit a vehicle’s speed through the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Loke said the rule applies to all commercial vehicles, specifically goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeding 3,500kg and passenger vehicles with a GVW exceeding 5,000kg and carrying more than eight passengers.
The enforcement of SLD installation will be carried out in three phases:
– Phase 1, starting October 1, involves mandatory verification of SLD functionality for all commercial vehicles manufactured after January 1, 2015.
– Phase 2, effective from January 1, 2026, involves the activation of SLD via the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for vehicles built before January 1, 2015.
– Phase 3, which begins July 1, 2026, will require retrofit installation of approved SLD units on commercial vehicles not yet equipped with the system.
Loke urged the members of Dewan Rakyat to support the implementation of this program. “In terms of ensuring greater road safety and preserving human lives, I hope the Honourable Members will support the government’s efforts to ensure this implementation proceeds smoothly,” he said.
Aside from SLD, the Ministry of Transport, according to Loke, is also considering the introduction of black boxes for commercial vehicles.
