PUSPAKOM Sdn Bhd has implemented a revised brake inspection protocol for lorries, effective 12 January. The directive was introduced by the Road Transport Department (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan) under the Ministry of Transport to strengthen road safety by addressing unsafe brake settings and reducing accident risks involving heavy vehicles.
Under the updated requirements, lorries will fail inspection if brake settings are excessively tight or excessively loose. These conditions increase the likelihood of loss of control, longer stopping distances, and serious collisions involving other motorists.
Chief Executive Officer Mahmood Razak Bahman said the protocol aligns with JPJ’s enforcement standards and reflects PUSPAKOM’s role as Malaysia’s recognised vehicle inspection authority. He stressed that brake performance remains one of the most critical safety elements in heavy vehicles as improper settings compromise vehicle control, particularly during emergency braking or downhill travel.
A key focus under the revised protocol is drag force, which describes resistance in the braking system before the pedal is applied. Excessive drag indicates partial engagement of the brakes, accelerating heat build-up and reducing braking efficiency.
Mahmood noted that while most operators comply with standards, a small minority temporarily adjust brake settings to pass inspections before reverting to unsafe configurations for operational convenience. The refined inspection approach addresses this practice by ensuring brake systems are evaluated based on safe operational parameters rather than short-term adjustments made only for testing purposes.
The enhanced protocol is intended to deter improper brake practices, protect compliant operators, and reduce the risk of heavy vehicle accidents. Mahmood urged vehicle owners and operators to work with certified workshops to ensure proper calibration and maintenance before presenting vehicles for inspection and reaffirmed that road safety is a shared responsibility between regulators, operators, workshops, and drivers.
PUSPAKOM stated that regular reviews of inspection standards are required to ensure continued relevance as vehicle technology and transport policy evolve. Mahmood concluded that inspections should be regarded as safety safeguards because every heavy vehicle on the road carries consequences for others.
