KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s road safety authority has launched an investigation into the lorry suspected of causing last weekend’s fatal crash at the Kajang toll plaza, with attention focused on whether the vehicle’s braking system had malfunctioned.
The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) said its Crash Investigation Team is working with the police, Road Transport Department (JPJ), and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to determine if brake failure or other factors were the primary cause.
“This evaluation is crucial in identifying the root cause and formulating effective preventive measures,” MIROS said in a statement today.
The collision, which occurred at 10:50am on Saturday, involved a lorry, a car, and two sport utility vehicles. A one-year-old boy was killed and seven others were injured.
Kajang District Police Chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof said the lorry had last been serviced in April, and the driver told investigators he had jumped out after experiencing brake failure.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke then confirmed that the vehicle held two valid permits and had passed inspection at Puspakom, Malaysia’s vehicle testing centre. Despite this, its brakes are believed to have failed, sending it crashing into the toll plaza.
MIROS stressed that proper maintenance is critical, particularly for commercial vehicles that are heavily used and often carry large loads.
A 2022 MIROS study found that only 31.9% of public and commercial transport operators complied with the Industry Code of Practice (ICOP) for Road Transport Safety. While larger companies showed high compliance at 93.6%, lorries recorded just four per cent – the lowest among all vehicle categories.
Express and tour buses fared better, with compliance rates of 78% and 71% respectively.
Beyond vehicle upkeep, MIROS also underscored the urgent need for greater use of Child Restraint Systems (CRS). Although mandatory since January 2020, nationwide usage remains at just 30%.
Police data shows that between 2014 and 2023, an average of 434 children died annually in road crashes – the equivalent of eight child deaths every 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% for children aged 0 to 4 years,” the institute said.
MIROS has urged policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and the transport industry to intensify advocacy, education, and enforcement to strengthen compliance with both vehicle maintenance and child safety regulations. — September 30, 2025