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Date: 28 November
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Venue: Out of Africa, PJ Sports Center

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Companies should place significant investment in training and educating their heavy transport vehicle drivers, in view of the increasing number of road accidents involving them.

According to The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), heavy vehicles transporting goods have contributed to 28% of all road accidents in the country involving public vehicles with 116,037 in 2010 and 125,648 in 2011.

Road Transport Department (RTD) director of Automotive Engineering Division, Mohamad Dalib revealed today there are currently over 8 million active lorry drivers and that 87% of all road accidents are caused by human error.

Mohamad attributed this to the fact that Malaysian drivers are not properly informed and lack even a basic understanding of their vehicles.

For instance, he pointed out that 60% of drivers have no idea on the purpose of the dashboard instrumentation panel.

“Most people do not know what does E stands for in the fuel gauge. E stands for enough, not empty or emergency. When you are at E, you can still drive for a minimum of 60km depending how fast you are driving,” he said during a dialogue session entitled Safer Roads and Unbiased Gender Talent Creation – Role of Trucks at Impiana Hotel here.

The panellist include Scania Malaysia General Manager Idros Puteh, E-Response Group-of-Companies CEO Mohamed Noor Sany, Shell Road Transport Contract Manager Frizailah Azmi, Apollo Tyres Asean Head Shubhro Ghosh and Asian Trucker editor Stefan Pertz.

Mohamad added that it is not enough for lorry drivers to attend driving schools alone and added that employers must provide special classes.

“Unfortunately not all companies are open to providing special classes and some drivers are sent in their free time. The biggest problem is that the drivers still end up committing the same mistakes even after attending the classes,” he said.

He also admitted there are no regulations to limit the number of hours of driver are allowed to drive continuously.

“It very much depends on the individual and the company. Driver can reject a job by the employer but there is no law to protect them, “he added.

Frizailah, in his speech, stressed it is the role of the drivers to admit that they may not have enough sleep to continue driving. However, he agreed that economic factors and the policy of individual companies may have an impact on the drivers’ ability to turn down jobs due to fatigue.

He said companies must not only invest on their assets but also on human capital to protect the investments.

“You can group it into the human side and vehicle side. In a nutshell, you have to invest in human capital which includes the competency of the drivers, including the training, mindset and behaviour. To a certain extent you have to invest on the assurance on what you have invested in the drivers.

“That is where in-vehicle monitoring system comes. You get output on how the driver behaves when nobody is watching,” he said, referring to the Global Position System (GPS) to keep track of drivers’ whereabouts.

“On the vehicle side, each vehicle is intended to be operated and maintained in a certain way so there is no short cut about it. That includes certain things like certain type of tyres, spare parts and equipment,” he said.

He said companies must also invest in technologies in their heavy vehicles such as the electronic braking system.

To this end, Frizailah said a minimum of five percent of a company’s operating cost should be used for driver investment.

Mohamed Noor, on the other hand, said more focus should be placed on the employer and not the driver.

“Come on, let’s get real. Most of the drivers are poor and not educated to know their rights. We can’t blame the drivers if the employer promises more pay. What is even sinful is when owners ask the driver to carry 40 tonne goods on a lorry made for only 20 tonne,” he said, adding that such practices put the driver and the vehicle at risk.

He said the country has the necessary laws to ensure safety on the road but unfortunately the authorities have become “toothless tigers” due to lack of implementation.

He added the drivers have paid with their lives in accidents so the blame should go higher.

“What made them do it? That is the question that should be asked,” he said.

The annual Volvo Trucks Malaysia Fuelwatch Challenge 2013 concluded with a crescendo as cheers echoed at the announcement of Malaysia’s most fuel efficient trucker at a gala dinner this evening.

The Champion, Mr Zamri bin Abd Rahman of Konsortium Logistic Bhd, Shah Alam, defeated close to 500 truckers nationwide, who took part in the Challenge to vie for the top spot since the preliminary rounds kicked off on 30th April this year. His victory was cemented by the lowest fuel consumption recording of just 1 litre to 4.07 kilometres in a 40-kilometre final drive challenge held in Shah Alam this morning.

The first runner-up is Mr Azahar bin Ahmad of MISC Integrated Logistic Sdn Bhd, Kuantan, who recorded a fuel consumption of 1 litre to 3.77 kilometres and the second runner-up is Mr Abdul Najib bin Othman of Kontena Nasional Bhd, Prai, with fuel consumption of 1 litre to 3.28 kilometres.

As the Champion, Mr Zamri bin Abdul Rahman stands to compete with other champion drivers from Asia and Australia in the Asia Finals to be held in Australia in October.

Marking its fourth consecutive edition, the Volvo Trucks Malaysia Fuelwatch Challenge conducts an annual search for Malaysia’s most fuel efficient trucker, who will pit against some of the world’s best in a fuel efficiency contest. More than a competition, the challenge seeks to fulfil its goal in imparting skills and knowledge for its participants, planting sustainable driving behaviour on the road.

The Fuelwatch Challenge offers a treasure trove of skills and information, equipping truckers with the ability to churn out the best fuel consumption possible for their vehicles. This is achieved through a process that encompasses a comprehensive approach and setting the right ergonomics between man and machine for maximum output, with minimum fuel.

Guest-of-honor at the dinner, Mr Ir Mohamad bin Dalib, who is the Director of Automotive Engineering Division and Road Transport Department of the Malaysia Ministry of Transport (MOT) commended Volvo Fuelwatch Challenge for its wide reach among Malaysian truck drivers. He said, “Volvo Malaysia’s Fuelwatch Challenge is in line with the objective of the Malaysian Government to reduce CO2 emission and guard the environment. The global focus is now on sustainable development and I believe that by starting this process at the grassroots level, this Challenge had succeeded in touching more than one component of the trucking ecosystem”

“With so much to benefit from the Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenge, I hope to see it continue to grow and that we’ll see more truck drivers and their employers coming out to support this initiative that will ultimately contribute to the economic and environmental sustainability of our country” said Ir Mohamad.

An elated Mr Zamri bin Abd Rahman remarked on his win, “I am extremely delighted and speechless to have won the title this year. Participating in the Fuelwatch Challenge has indeed taught me a great deal about the efficient use of fuel and the ways to utilise all the equipment in the truck like the engine break to give me better drivability and results. Importantly also, I am now more equipped with the knowledge on how to better ensure safety on the road, for myself and for others. Volvo Trucks Malaysia also treated us like kings throughout the event and with the introduction of the Globe Truckers club, our status as truck drivers is definitely something to be proud of”.

“I would definitely recommend my fellow truckers who have not participated in this challenge to take part next year. I’m excited and nervous as I look forward to the Asia Finals. I will definitely try my best in bringing home a trophy!” he added.

Haiweima Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Kretam Mill Sdn Bhd, Majawarisan Sdn Bhd, Kotamas Oil Sdn Bhd, ASTA Enterprise, Abedon Oil Mill Sdn Bhd, and S.P. Hing Seng Sdn Bhd respectively received their order of Volvo trucks ranging between the FM and FMX variants.

Speaking at the event, Mr Mats Nilsson, Managing Director of Volvo Malaysia said, “The deliveries of these trucks reflects our strong business commitment among our customers in Sabah and it is also in response to the growing needs of the transportation and haulage industry in East Malaysia.”

East Malaysia, a significant market for Volvo Trucks, is notable for its natural resources – mainly petroleum, timber, agriculture and logging; and recently, these industries has seen an increase in demand for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

To date, it has been reported that a total of 24 development projects worth nearly RM1 billion are now under construction as part of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) initiative. In Sarawak, there is a positive note on its economy which is expected to grow at 5% this year thanks to increased investments under the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) and implementation of projects under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

“There is a strong wind sweeping economic changes in East Malaysia and we view these as positive developments that will spur the transportation and logistics industry. We believe that there are great opportunities in this region, not only for us (as truck manufacturers) but also for the local logistics and freight companies, to grow in tandem with economic growth in Sabah and Sarawak. We will continue to offer complete transport solutions to drive the endless development in the region,” added Nilsson.

The Volvo trucks delivered will be used to transport petroleum and crude palm oil, two of Malaysia’s most important natural resources and export materials.

“This will be our first time using Volvo trucks and we are certain that the trucks will drive our business to new heights as it has specifications that are tailor-made to our requirements and the business we are operating. Furthermore, Volvo’s brand reputation is renowned for quality and uptime and we are confident that these trucks will be an advantage to the company,” said Mr Wong Len Kee of Syarikat Kretam Mill Sdn Bhd, a member of Kretam Holdings Berhad.

When asked the rationale behind choosing a Volvo Truck for its business, Tuan Hj Talibe Bonga of ASTA Enterprise (petroleum transport company) said, “We chose Volvo because it gives us the best of both worlds – durability and comfort. Volvo trucks are durable on East Malaysian roads and yet they have comfortable cabins for our drivers. This gives us the confidence and we trust that it is worth the investment for our long term business.”

While this has been the first purchase of Volvo trucks for most of the companies, Haiweima Sdn Bhd has been operating its transport business using Volvo trucks since 2010. The company’s current order is an expansion of its Volvo truck fleet, bringing the number of prime movers to a total of 24 units

Volvo Malaysia (Volvo) has officially opened on 1st of October, its new dealership center at the Gebeng Industrial Area in Kuantan, Pahang as part of its network expansion strategy to increase and improve on its presence in Malaysia. The centre was officially opened by His Excellency Mr Bengt Carlsson, Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia, who was the guest-of-honor.

The move underpins Volvo’s commitment in broadening the offering of its total transport solutions and technologically-advanced product line to its current and potential customers with business operations that ply the east coast region of Malaysia.

Mr Mats Nilsson, Managing Director, Volvo Malaysia said, “The opening of this new dealership reflects our strong business commitment and network development strategy in line with our corporate direction to be more customer-focused and to strengthen relationship. It is also in response to the growing needs of the east coast region”

“Malaysia is a fast growing nation spurred by various economic developments. The east coast economic region (ECER) covers an area measuring more than 66,000 square km, which is more than half of Peninsular Malaysia. Thus, the demand for reliable commercial transport solutions is very huge as the infrastructure sector continues to develop. That increases the need for products such as trucks and construction equipment, and we plan to expand wherever there is an opportunity for us to meet our customers’ needs”

“We have identified three strategic locations for our network expansion strategy to establish a stronger foothold. They are the east coast and northern regions of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia. We aim to improve and upgrade existing dealership facilities, as well as to build new ones when the demand increases” added Mr Nilsson.

The Gebeng Industrial Area now serves as the new location for Volvo’s dealership in Kuantan and is expected to cater more convenience to customers and truck drivers. The new dealership carries the status of a full 3S (service, sales and spares) centre equipped with six workshop stations and special tools and diagnostic equipment for a variety of tests including brake tester.

In addition, the new dealership is Volvo Malaysia’s first service centre in the east coast region which has incorporated a driver overnight facility.

Mr Nilsson further added “The transportation and haulage industry is no doubt a vital industry that sets the gear for a country’s economy in motion. As a key player in Malaysia’s transportation industry, we intend to further leverage on our strengths as one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle producers and to capitalise on the country’s market opportunities.”

Volvo Trucks currently has eleven dealerships across Malaysia - five in Peninsular Malaysia and six in East Malaysia.

Volvo Malaysia ended 2012 on a positive note and once again reported strong growth in deliveries for 2012 with a total number of 339 units sold of which 301 were Volvo Trucks and 38 units of Renault Trucks. Compared to 238 units sold in 2011 (205 Volvo Trucks and 33 Renault Trucks), there has been a 42% increase in unit deliveries.

2012 has been a very good year for Volvo Malaysia’s truck business. From new customers to increasingly aggressive market share in Malaysia, Volvo is capitalizing on the infrastructure growth in Malaysia.

Despite the cautious global economy, 2012 has indeed been a significant year for Volvo Malaysia. Last year, the company focused on listening to their customers and using their insight to augment their business offerings in Malaysia. They augmented their breakdown support with fully equipped Action Service Vehicles and reduced their average response rate to a breakdown.

Additionally, Volvo also started faster repairs at the Shah Alam workshop for a quick turnaround time for trucks coming for repair. Beginning 2012, dedicated Fast Track bays were created for jobs that can be completed within 2 hours as well as pre-booking services to accommodate serious repairs and break-downs.

Engaging truck drivers lies at the core of Volvo’s corporate policy. Extending this philosophy to Malaysia, 2012 saw an increased and more frequent dialogue with truckers, starting with Fuelwatch Challenge 2012 – an annual challenge that has helped put Malaysian truckers on the global map for the past three years, pitting Malaysia’s local champions against the world’s best truck drivers.

The growth of Volvo’s automated manual transmission, I-Shift in Malaysia has been positively increasing and received well by customers with an increase of demand by 20% in 2012 compared to the previous year. Mansoor shares that “Coupled with Volvo’s competent sales force that is completely aligned with Volvo’s products and truly understands the local customer base, their requirements and challenges, we have noticed an increasing acceptance among our customers on the benefits of I-Shift. Some of these are reducing fuel costs, lower maintenance intervals, and the ease of drivability among others – issues that haulage companies found to be challenging.”

2012 also saw Volvo unveiling the arrival of its all new version of the popular FH Series truck in Europe. Fuel economy, reliability, ergonomics, superior handling, active and passive safety and time saving features – these are among the new features offered by Volvo Trucks latest FH Series.

For 2013, Mansoor is confident that the company will continue to grow in the commercial vehicle industry from more dealerships, expanded networks, trucker engagement and strong relationship with new and existing customers. “We are here for the long haul, given the critical role that Malaysia plays in our global business strategy,” Mansoor added.

More on this subject in our upcoming issue of Asian Trucker Malaysia.

We are also meeting up with Eric Labat, former Managing Director of Volvo Malaysia for an exclusive interview. Watch out for this coverage in the magazine.

This contest will begin on 1st December 2013 and ends on 31 December 2013. All you have to do is to snap a picture of the dirtiest truck you have and send the picture to us. If your picture is selected, we, Asian Trucker are going to get ready and go to wherever you are and wash your truck!

You can send as many pictures as you want, and there is no boring registration! Do not miss a chance to win a hamper and exclusive merchandise from Asian Trucker. The best part is that we are going to publish you spotless truck in our Asian Trucker magazine.

This contest is open for owners of truck and any company that own trucks as you can snap a picture of a dirty truck of your company or your own truck. Terms and conditions apply.

Here are the details:

Contest: SPOT THE DIRTIEST TRUCK CONTEST
Start: 1st December 2013
End: 31st December 2013
Send the picture of your truck with details:

Full name
Company name (if you represent one)
Contact details

To Fajar: fajar(@)asiantrucker.com or via 0142427099

What are you waiting for? Get your truck as dirty as you can and we are going to wash it!

Terms and Conditions:

1. All information submitted by you in your entry is true, accurate and complete in every respect. Asian Trucker reserves the right to verify any information contained in your entry and/or your eligibility to enter the Competition.

2. Competition is only open for Malaysians.

3. Any person that is (a) an employee of any company involved in the Competition (including Asian Trucker); or (b) a family member of such employee, is not eligible to enter the Competition. Asian Trucker reserves the right to disqualify any person that it knows is, or has reasonable grounds to believe is, ineligible for the Competition as a result of this Rule

4. You can send as many pictures as you like, but only one picture will be selected.

5. Entries must be made by the Closing Date and in the manner set out in the Competition Terms. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

6. Prize-winners will be selected and notified in the manner set out in the Competition Terms.

7. Prizes are non-transferable and there is no cash alternative. In the event of a prize being unavailable for any reason Asian Trucker reserve the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value at any time.

8. Asian Trucker accepts no responsibility for any damage, loss, injury (other than our liability for personal injury or death as a result of our negligence) or disappointment of any kind suffered by any entrant in entering the Competition, including as a result of any entrant winning or not winning any prize.