A Malaysian driver, unaware that he had committed a permit-related offence, was shocked to receive a summons from the Traffic Department of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
The man, a lorry driver by profession, was slapped with a fine for transporting a lion dance troupe in the back of his vehicle in Kulai, Johor. He received the notice on 22 February at 10:30 AM, noting that it was his first summons in over ten years of working in the industry.
Unaware that such a rule existed, he took to Facebook in a viral post to urge lion dancers and fellow drivers to remain alert regarding the regulation.
“It has always been illegal, but enforcement was lacking”
His post gained significant traction on social media, with many users confirming that it is indeed illegal to carry passengers in the back of a lorry. One commenter noted that while the law exists, enforcement has historically been lax.
“It has always been illegal, but the enforcement was previously lacking.”
“A lorry driver has never been allowed to carry passengers at the back. The law is the law; it doesn’t mean you’re right if you were never caught before.”
“Yes, you’re not allowed to carry passengers at the back of your lorry. You have to apply for a permit.”
Is it illegal to carry passengers in a lorry’s cargo?
Under Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987, it is an offence to carry passengers in the cargo area of a lorry, as the space is not designed for human transport. Such actions endanger lives and can result in heavy fines or enforcement action by the PDRM.
A PDRM officer, a Road Transport Department (JPJ) officer, or a traffic warden has the power to stop, investigate, and enforce penalties under the Act. Furthermore, the police may make an arrest without a warrant if a driver is suspected of committing a traffic offence, which includes allowing passengers to travel in unsafe positions.
Ultimately, drivers bear the legal responsibility for ensuring all passengers travel safely and within the bounds of the law.
