Urge freight trailer drivers to adhere to safety rules after fatal accidents in Malaysia

Negri Sembilan Lorry Operators’ Association (NSLOA) treasurer Alvin Loke said containers transported on a truck should be secured with a twist lock at each corner to ensure they do not slip or slide during heavy braking or accidents.

However, he claimed that there are drivers who do not do this because a heavy load can cause their trucks to overturn while taking sharp turns or in accidents.

“Apparently these drivers do this to avoid being trapped in their cab if their trailers fall on their sides. Some drivers only secure the containers with two twist locks, other times not at all.

“By not securing the containers with twist locks, the container slides off the truck and falls on the road, causing no inconvenience to the truck.

“While a truck driver may think this will keep him safe, it will endanger other motorists if the container falls and crushes other vehicles,” he said.

Mr Loke said NSLOA, which is affiliated with the Malaysian Trucking Federation (MTF), has advised its members to secure all locks on their container trucks.

Victor Pereira, committee member of the PSM Lorry Drivers Association, also claimed that there have been cases of truck drivers transporting containers that were not fully secured.

Other than fearing for their safety during a crash, the drivers do not secure the containers so that they can unload the containers more quickly.

“Often, trailer drivers who make short journeys do not bother to secure the containers with twist locks, because these devices sometimes get stuck during unloading.

“If this happens, the crane that lifts the container may end up lifting the trailer as well. It can be time-consuming to loosen a stuck twistlock.

“To avoid this inconvenience, drivers can therefore choose not to secure the container with twist locks.

“Maybe they only close two of the four locks, or eight locks, if it concerns larger containers. This is dangerous,” he added.