COMMERCIAL vehicle operators could soon be able to identify dangerous driving patterns and intervene before they lead to accidents under a government plan to progressively make driver-monitoring telematics systems compulsory from next year.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the technology, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim under Budget 2027, would allow operators to monitor drivers’ behaviour in real time or through recorded data, including speeding, sudden braking, acceleration and eye movements.
“The system can track a driver’s eye movements, behaviour, how they drive, how often they brake and whether they accelerate.
“All this can be recorded through telematics,” he told a press conference at the Transport Ministry today.
Loke said the initiative was intended to address the underlying causes of accidents involving commercial vehicles, particularly cases linked to drivers operating under the influence of drugs.
“We have seen many accidents involving commercial vehicles where drivers were under the influence of drugs. This is something we want to tackle.
“No matter how severe the punishment, it cannot prevent accidents. We want prevention, not just punishment, but to address the root causes,” he said.
Systems accredited by the Road Transport Department (RTD) may also incorporate breath-testing and heart-rate monitoring capabilities to help identify drivers who could be unfit to drive.
Loke said six telematics vendors had received RTD accreditation, allowing commercial vehicle operators to choose their preferred provider.
The installation requirement is not yet compulsory, and no enforcement action will be taken against operators who have not adopted the technology.
The government plans to introduce the requirement progressively from 2027, although the implementation mechanism and timeline have yet to be finalised.
“It is not mandatory yet. We are starting on a voluntary basis, but ultimately, if we do not make it compulsory, it will not be effective,” he said.
Separately, the government will introduce health-screening vouchers for commercial vehicle drivers in collaboration with the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) to support broader efforts to improve driver health and road safety. - October 12, 2026