Lorry men seek nod for greater load

Daily Express 23/07/08 Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah West Coast Lorry Transportation Association is appealing to the State Government to expedite the elevation of the Gross Vehicle Weight (BDM) limit in Sabah.
According to its President Steven Foo, the implementation is actually long overdue, as the Federal Government has already given the approval to allow the BDM now being enforced in the peninsula under the Weight Restriction Order 2003 to be extended to Sabah.
"The Works Ministry gave the nod for the standardisation a few years ago.
The Prime Minister has also urged for its prompt implementation. It is now up to the State Government to proceed with the move. We really hope the State Government will heed our plea," he said.
Presently Sabah is only allowed a maximum BDM of 38,000kg whilst lorries in the peninsula can transport a load up to 53,000kg.
"Our members here can be considered running foul of the law by overloading their lorries. But they have no choice. It's a matter of survival to meet the fuel hike and other running costs."
He said once the BDM for Sabah is elevated, such overloading would definitely reduce. "We will also be able to adjust our price and thus save costs for everybody," he said.
He also disclosed that the Association would be celebrating its 11th anniversary on Sept 1, to be held at the Putera Ballroom in Bukit Padang.
"We will be inviting the Chairmen of the Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia Lorry Transportation Associations for the event and the guest of honour would be Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's Department Datuk Edward Khoo."