It was a night to remember when some 1 500 industry professionals gathered to celebrate an event unlike any other. Hosted in the Kingwood Hotel, Sibu, on the 3^rd of August 2025, the triple celebration marked 40th anniversary of the Federation of Sarawak Lorry Association, 55th anniversary and new committee installation for Sibu Lorry Associatioon and Persatuan Pemilik Lori Kuching Saarahan.  

The Federation of Sarawak Lorry Association (FSLA) was founded on 25th August forty years ago, it was formed through the unity of lorry associations from the seven divisions across Sarawak, including the now-dissolved Kuching Hire Lorry Association. Said Ling Kah Kiong, President, Federation of Sarawak Lorry Association (FSLA) “This year, we are also proud to welcome a new member. Joining us is the newly established and inaugurated Kuching-Samarahan Lorry Owner Association. Our current member association now include Kuching- Samarahan Lorry Owner Association, Sarikei Lorry Association, Maraduan Lorry Owner Association, Sibu Lorry Association , Miri Lorry Owner Association, Limbang Lorry Owner Association, and last, but not least, the Bintulu United Lorry Association.”

During the event, a group of fellow operator from Lawas joined the proceedings, Although their numbers remain small, they are currently attached to the Limbang Association for better coordination and representation. Added Ling “Over the past 40 years, the Federation has never wavered from its founding mission. It began from humble beginnings, and we must express our deepest gratitude to the founding elders, tonight we have two of them here with us. Kapitan Teo Boom Chai and Goh Ah Foo.” Their vision and unity brought together these seven associations under one banner. The aim was clear: to create a collective, united front to strengthen and protect the Transport industry in Sarawak.

From the beginning, FSLA has accepted all types of lorry transport business - regardless of their nature, size, or cargo type- as long as they all under lorry operations. In the view of the founders, they belong to one of our affiliated associations. In turn, every affiliated association is united under FSLA. As she issues faced by the participants in the transport sector are common across the board, they all answer to the same government departments. To have a shared voice, the industry cannot afford to be divided, nor can operators allow external forces to weaken the Federation. Membership is playing a crucial role in the ability to negotiate when confronted with unjust or unreasonable policies: As one former Transport Minister once point out, the transport industry is overseen by no fewer than 13 different government departments.

Clearing up a common misunderstanding, Ling explained that some fellow members are still confused when it comes to the authorities of MOT and MOTS. According to him, many often assume that Sarawak's lorry industry falls entirely under the purview of MOTS. However, Sarawak’s land transport operations fall entirely under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Transport- including JPJ, LPKP, and Puspakom. All policies and regulations are drafted by the federal ministry, not by the Sarawak ministry.

Present at the gathering was YB Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin,  Minister of Transport, Sarawak. He was praised for consistently standing up for the rights of local transport owners, when federal policies are not suited to Sarawak's conditions. “He intervenes, coordinates, and ensures that impractical regulations are not enforced here. He has also helped us secure land for lorry parking facilities in various divisions, a contribution we greatly appreciate,” Ling said in his speech.

Although a joyous occasion, FLSA also took the opportunity to address serious concerns. Recently in West Malaysia, several lorry-related accidents have occurred. In response, the Ministry of Transport made a series of what FLSA deems aggressive and seemingly unconsidered public statements and policy announcements. These reactions were made without thorough consultation has triggered a strong backlash from the industry. FLSA urges that the Minister must engage with industry players to understand the root causes of these repeated accidents. “Draconian, one-size-fits-all punishments- where one person's mistake leads to sweeping crackdowns- will only provoke stronger resistance.”

The second appeal was regarding the increase truck weight limits. As president, Ling has personally raised this issue for over 25 years. “Yet to this day, JKR has refused to sit down and engage in meaningful discussion with us. This negligence is partly why the newly completed Pan Borneo Highway is already showing signs of structure wear- and becoming dangerous.” Fatal accidents are happening every month, and FSLA is seeing a trend whereby they are becoming more frequent. In addressing the issue, FSLA stated that JKR has failed to take lessons from West Malaysia's tragedies and has not shown the responsibility needed to protect the safety of Sarawak's road users. Among the many issues contributing to unsafe roads, FSLA has identified overloading and the lack of enforcement.

Ling also hopes that MIROS can play a bigger role in supporting a reform of the land transport sector by helping the state to develop safer transport policies backed by research and evidence in Sarawak. “In closing, tonight is not just a celebration- it is a reminder of what we have achieved together and a call to continue striving forward. Ling, on behalf of the Federation thanked their guest of honour, distinguished guests, generous sponsors, and representative from various government departments, looking forward to a deeper and meaningful conversation on matters related to the land transport industry in Sarawak.