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THE Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has launched a detailed investigation into a tragic collision at the Kajang toll plaza believed to have been caused by brake failure in a lorry.
In a statement today, MIROS confirmed that its Crash Investigation Team is working alongside the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Road Transport Department (JPJ), and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to determine the root cause of the incident, which left a one-year-old boy dead and seven others injured.
“MIROS is working closely with relevant authorities to ensure a thorough investigation,” the agency said. “This evaluation is crucial in identifying the root cause and formulating effective preventive measures.”
The crash occurred at 10.50 am on Saturday, involving a lorry, a car and two SUVs. Kajang District Police Chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof said preliminary findings showed that the lorry had last been serviced in April.
The driver, who claimed to have experienced brake failure, reportedly jumped from the vehicle moments before impact.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that the lorry possessed two valid permits and had passed inspection at Puspakom. However, its braking system is now the focal point of the investigation.
MIROS stressed that routine maintenance, especially for commercial vehicles carrying heavy loads, is vital for road safety. Drivers and operators must conduct pre-journey checks on brakes, tyres and other critical systems, and strictly adhere to safety regulations, including observing speed limits and taking adequate rest.
A MIROS study from 2022 revealed worryingly low compliance with the Industry Code of Practice (ICOP) for Road Transport Safety among lorry operators, with only four per cent meeting standards.
In contrast, larger fleet operators showed 93.6 per cent compliance, while express and tour buses recorded rates of 78 and 71 per cent respectively.
The institute also highlighted the low use of Child Restraint Systems (CRS) in Malaysia, which have been mandatory since January 2020. Despite this, CRS usage remains around 30 per cent, based on data from 2022.
MIROS cited police statistics indicating that between 2014 and 2023, an average of 434 children died annually in road accidents—approximately eight fatalities per week.
“Properly installed child safety seats, suited to a child’s height and weight, can reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 54 to 71 per cent for children aged 0 to 4 years,” MIROS stated.
The agency has called for strengthened advocacy, enforcement, and education campaigns to improve CRS compliance and prevent avoidable tragedies on Malaysian roads. - September 30, 2025
