KUALA LUMPUR: Custom-made three-wheel motorcycles modified to transport agricultural goods cannot be insured, taxed, or deemed roadworthy if they lack official approval, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.
He told the Dewan Rakyat today that farmers and smallholders who used such unapproved vehicles risked bearing full responsibility in the event of an accident.
“If any vehicle is modified without approval, its use is illegal. In the event of accidents, the risks will be borne solely by the users. That is why we strongly advise farmers to seek approval so that they are protected under the law,” he said.
Loke was responding to a supplementary question from Kalam Salan (PN–Sabak Bernam), who highlighted the growing use of motorcycles fitted with rear carriages in rural areas to transport produce.
He urged the government to provide clear guidelines to prevent such vehicles from being classified as illegal.
Kalam had also asked whether the ministry would consider approving three-wheeled motorcycles introduced under the National Courier Accelerator Plan (PAKEJ) by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), especially for smallholders and farmers.
He said that while the vehicles were practical, obtaining official approval from the ministry remained a challenge for many.
In response, Loke explained that three-wheeled motorcycles are allowed under the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Motor Vehicle (Construction and Use) Rules 1959 — provided they are registered, licensed, and fitted with proper compartments or boxes.
“These vehicles must also undergo inspections every six months to ensure they meet safety standards,” he said.
He added that all such vehicles must obtain Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) from the Road Transport Department (RTD), comply with United Nations regulations and environmental standards, be registered as commercial goods vehicles, and be operated by riders with a vocational driving licence.
“The ministry is ready to assist farmers and smallholders by providing technical advice and guidance on the approval process,” he said.
Loke said that suppliers or manufacturers modifying such vehicles are responsible for obtaining the required approval from RTD.
He also said the ministry is prepared to coordinate with other ministries and government agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, to support the expanded use of such vehicles in farming, microbusinesses, and tourism.
“Any party wishing to use tricycles for specific purposes should come forward and engage with RTD on how the vehicles can be approved legally. Safety must always come first.
“We do not want accidents involving unregulated vehicles to become the government’s responsibility,” he added.
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