A recent article from Sinar Daily revealed a shocking statistic from MIROS: only 32% of operators in Malaysia are adhering to the safety standard. The statistic rings an urgent wake-up call, underscoring the imperative to address the safety paradigm that endangers human capital and disrupts the entire supply chain ecosystem. 

“These findings highlight the need to increase safety awareness through training, guidance and more frequent audits, especially for operators with low compliance levels.” — MIROS Director-General Dr Siti Zaharah Ishak

Additionally, the Melaka pile-up, caused by a lorry’s loose tire, resulting in seven heartbreaking fatalities, stands as a devastating reminder of the consequences of neglecting safety and proper maintenance. This tragic event underscores a crucial point—safety must be an unwavering, non-negotiable priority for every logistics and transportation sector. 

By embracing safety as a core value and combining with advanced technologies, logistics and transportation players can futureproof their operations, safeguarding human capital while simultaneously optimizing efficiency and fortifying profitability. It’s a win-win situation that unlocks sustainable growth and nurtures a safer, more resilient industry landscape.

This article will delve into the holistic rationale behind why Malaysian logistics and transportation companies must undertake a deep drive into their safety standard by meeting APAD ICOP compliance and experience how SafeTruck’s suite of advanced fleet solutions can significantly aid operators in meeting these indispensable standards. 

Understanding the APAD ICOP Compliance: A Holistic Approach to Safety

The Agensi Pengangkutan Awam Darat (APAD), previously SPAD, launched the Safety Guideline and Industrial Code of Practice (ICOP), a comprehensive framework with the goal of raising safety and operational standards throughout the industry. By addressing everything from mandatory training to technology integration, the ICOP is a key initiative in reducing risk and building a stronger safety culture. Here’s a closer look at its key components:

• Mandatory Safety Training (Code 1): This ensures drivers possess the necessary knowledge and skills for safe road navigation, reducing accidents involving heavy vehicles and protecting both drivers and the public. 
• Driving Logbook (Code 11): Requires operators to provide a driving logbook in every prime mover, to ensure all vehicle movements, rest breaks, travel distances, and driver changes are accurately recorded and readily available for compliance checks. 
• Daily Driver Inspection (Code 12): Operators must ensure that the Safety and Health Officer (SHO) or Safety and Health Supervisor (SHS) conducts a daily inspection of each driver before they are allowed to commence their journey.
• GPS Installation and Monitoring (Codes 13 & 14): Requires operators to monitor the speed of prime movers during operations and take immediate action against drivers who drive dangerously or exceed legal speed limits, review GPS reports for all journeys, enforce disciplinary actions and/or provide counseling for traffic violations while maintaining records, and ensure that GPS records are not falsified or manipulated
• Daily Vehicle Safety Checks (Code 15): Daily vehicle inspections before and after every journey, to ensure optimal vehicle condition, minimizing hazard risks due to mechanical failure. This proactive maintenance approach is crucial to a robust safety strategy.
• Safe Cargo Handling (Code 16): Requires operators to ensure goods vehicles comply with JPJ technical guidelines, adhere to prescribed load limits, prevent cargo from extending beyond the vehicle’s side panels, railing, or dimensions, secure cargo tightly, and avoid spillage or scattering of cargo onto the road that could endanger other road users.
• Accident/Incident Reporting and Investigation (Code 23): Requires operators to report accidents/incidents within 2 hours to S.P.A.D., issue a media statement within 12 hours based on preliminary investigations, provide a complete statement within 24 hours, lead emergency response efforts, contact victims’ families and provide necessary assistance under the Corporate Social Responsibility agenda, submit a written report within 72 hours with recommendations for improvement, and hold a dedicated SHE Committee meeting within 2 weeks to discuss risk reduction measures based on internal and external investigation reports.

The Urgent Need for Real Change

The current compliance rate is concerning and serves as a wake-up call for the entire sector. Failing to meet regulations goes beyond mere compliance issues; it poses serious risks to lives and heightens the potential for accidents, jeopardizing not only drivers but also other individuals on the road. In addition to the significant human death, failing to comply can result in severe legal penalties such as hefty fines and possible license suspension, which could threaten the very survival of organizations. This is an issue that requires our urgent attention and a strong response. 

This goes beyond merely fulfilling regulatory requirements. This focuses on cultivating a safety-first culture that prioritizes safety within our sector. It is essential to acknowledge that each individual, whether drivers, management, or business owners, contributes to the collective effort in preventing tragedies similar to the one that occurred in Melaka.

SafeTruck: Empowering Compliance and Revolutionizing Fleet Management

SafeTruck’s innovative solution not only addresses the core requirements of APAD ICOP compliance; it revolutionizes fleet management through comprehensive, user-centric features. Our system is meticulously designed to help fleet operators not only meet but exceed safety standards, championing both efficiency and security.

• GPS Fleet Tracking: SafeTruck’s advanced GPS technology is pivotal to our compliance with APAD ICOP Codes 13 and 14, mandating GPS tracker installation and continuous vehicle monitoring. This system provides precise real-time tracking, enabling close monitoring of locations, speeds, and driving behaviors. The detailed data aids fleet managers in route planning, reducing fuel usage, and ensuring timely deliveries, while also enhancing safety through rigorous speed and behavior surveillance. In today’s competitive environment, our robust GPS technology cornerstone drives unparalleled productivity and strict adherence to regulations.
• DriverCare: Our commitment to enhancing road safety and fostering a culture of accountability amongst drivers is symbolized by our DriverCare program, aligning well with ICOP Codes 11, 12, and 15. This innovative app streamlines daily vehicle inspections through a simple three-step process, enabling drivers to efficiently complete and submit checklists, reinforcing their responsibility. Features such as Track Attendance, Checklist Submission, Emergency Call, Vehicle & Driver Information, and Licence Expiry Reminder, combine to bolster a safety-first culture. Moreover, the Driver Scoring feature further allows fleet owners to monitor and improve driving behavior, reducing risks and promoting a safe driving environment.

More Than Just Tools: A Partnership for Safety

What sets SafeTruck apart is how seamlessly it integrates with daily fleet operations. Our IoT-integrated application not only helps in easing drivers’ stress but also guarantees organized, paperless documentation. This hassle-free filing and simple fleet vehicle tracking system promise a user experience that is as efficient as it is compliant. Moreover, our comprehensive service plan, including a lifetime hardware warranty, installation, subscription, troubleshooting, and 24/7 emergency support, ensures that our clients are always covered, no matter the time of day.

Take Action Today. Let’s Work Together for a Safer Future

Don’t wait for an accident to happen. By embracing SafeTruck’s solutions, fleet operators have the advantage of leveraging top-notch technology to not only comply with regulatory requirements but also drive significant improvements in operational efficiency and safety standards. 

Visit safetruck.co to learn more or reach out to our sales representatives today.