If you’ve driven on Malaysian highways long enough, you’ve probably had a lorry tailgating you, speeding past red lights, or swerving across lanes like it’s a race. I’ve seen it so many times, it almost feels normal. But it really shouldn’t be.
In 2024 alone, over 800 lorries were involved in fatal crashes, according to the Royal Malaysia Police. From January to October 2024, 825 lorries were involved in fatal road accidents nationwide, resulting in 5,364 deaths. That’s not even counting the near-misses we experience every day. So why does this keep happening?
Some say it’s because of how easy it is to get a lorry license here. You do need to apply for a Goods Driving Licence (GDL), which permits you to drive commercial vehicles transporting goods such as rigid and articulated lorries. Applicants must be Malaysian or permanent residents aged 21 and above, meeting basic health requirements. However, compared to other countries, the licensing process here is often seen as less stringent, and that might be part of the problem.
But the issue runs deeper. Many lorry drivers work under intense pressure. They are typically paid by trip commission rather than by the hour, meaning the faster they finish, the more they earn. This incentivises speeding, skipping rest breaks, and pushing limits - even when it’s dangerous. A recent report highlighted that low wages combined with unrealistic delivery schedules force many drivers to work long hours without proper sleep or breaks. This fatigue is a serious concern; a study found that 42.9% of Malaysian logistic truck drivers suffer from occupational fatigue, which significantly impairs alertness and driving performance.
The worst part? These aren’t just small delivery vans. These are multi-tonne vehicles capable of causing catastrophic damage in a collision.
I’m not blaming every lorry driver - many are responsible and professional. But something clearly needs to change. Perhaps better, more rigorous training is needed. Enforcement of traffic laws should be consistent and effective, though authorities say current penalties are already stringent. Companies must also stop pushing drivers to the edge just to meet deadlines.
Because until we fix these systemic issues - from licensing and wages to working conditions and enforcement - getting on the road will always feel like a risk we shouldn’t have to take.
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