Telematics For Commercial Vehicles To Be Implemented In Phases - Loke

BANGI, June 29 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will implement a telematics system initiative for commercial vehicles in phases from 2026 to 2028 as part of efforts to enhance road safety through data-driven and smart technology approach. 

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the initiative will begin with a voluntary and advocacy phase for the industry from 2026 to 2027, before expanding to the development of a Commercial Vehicle Driver Database System and centralised telematics data integration the following year. 

He said the third phase, proposed to begin in 2028, will involve considering the use of telematics systems as a mandatory licensing requirement for commercial vehicles, subject to industry readiness and the development of related government systems. 

“However, I want to stress that we are not making it compulsory for any company to adopt telematics systems at this stage. Instead, it is something we are encouraging, as we believe that having a telematics system to monitor driver behaviour will help improve road safety. 

“This is also beneficial for transport companies and heavy vehicle operators as they can monitor their own drivers,” he said in a press conference after launching the Telematics Initiative for Commercial Vehicles here today. 

Telematics is a smart technology that integrates Global Positioning System (GPS), vehicle sensors and data communication systems to enable real-time monitoring of vehicle operations, allowing parameters such as speed, harsh braking, aggressive acceleration, driving duration and movement patterns to be continuously recorded and analysed. 

He said one of the most important safety features of telematics systems is the ability to prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

“There are several key features. Firstly, through telematics, we can detect whether a driver is speeding or fatigued. If they test positive for alcohol or drugs, the system will prevent the engine from starting, so they cannot operate the vehicle,” he said. 

Loke said the subscription-based approach would not burden companies as it does not require major capital investment, involving only equipment installation and a monthly subscription fee ranging from RM60 to RM300 per vehicle. 

“Companies do not need to purchase the system. All they need to do is subscribe to the service. The telematics providers will install cameras, detectors and hardware in the vehicle, and the system will be integrated with their database,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Loke said five companies have been identified for the pilot implementation of telematics services after meeting minimum requirements through a proof of concept (POC).

The five companies are BSmart System Solution Sdn Bhd, Navipulse Sdn Bhd, MyLorry Technology Solutions Sdn Bhd, Theta Edge Bhd and ANSA Digital Sdn Bhd. 

“Commercial vehicle operators are encouraged to subscribe to telematics services from these companies based on their respective operational needs,” he said. 

He added that the recognition does not constitute exclusive appointments or absolute government approval, but is subject to continued compliance with technical requirements set by MOT. 

He said MOT also conducted a POC for the telematics system from Sept 8 to Dec 8, 2025, to assess the effectiveness of the technology in monitoring driver behaviour and commercial vehicle operations. 

“The key findings from the POC show that telematics technology is capable of supporting more comprehensive monitoring of commercial vehicle safety compared to conventional GPS systems,” he said. 

He added that telematics data can also be utilised by enforcement agencies, including the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), for enforcement, risk analysis and road safety studies. 

Elaborating further, Loke said the system is not intended to replace existing enforcement roles but rather to complement the efforts of JPJ and PDRM in enhancing the effectiveness of enforcement and safety monitoring. 

-- BERNAMA