Making heavy vehicle driving a profession

In Malaysia, heavy vehicle driving is often viewed as a low-skilled, last-resort job. This perception undermines their dedication to supporting the nation’s supply chain. Despite their critical contributions, heavy vehicle drivers in Malaysia receive limited recognition and support. They are neither held to the same professional standards nor given the same respect such as other safety-critical roles like pilot or engineer. In fact, society tends to fault the drivers when accidents happen, failing to recognise the root cause of the problems involved.

The negative perception of the drivers partly explain why the industry struggles to attract good drivers. Indeed, the heart of the problem is that heavy vehicle driving has never been established as a true profession despite its vital contribution to Malaysia’s economy. In consequence, the industry continues to face challenges in recruitment and road safety, urging the need to professionalise the field by setting higher standards, phasing out those who fail to adhere to regulations, and ensuring that only qualified and responsible individuals take the wheel.

One key step in professionalising the field is to ensure that the driver meets the health and skill requirements. Medical and behavioural screenings can help guarantee that drivers are physically and mentally prepared for their duties, thereby preventing accidents caused by health-related issues. Beyond physical readiness, raising the standard of the heavy vehicle driving profession also requires developing core skills in areas including vehicle operation, defensive driving and hazardous goods handling. To certify their competence and professionalism, drivers are required to pass the professional technical assessment before obtaining a Vocational Driving License. At the same time, an authoritative regulatory body should oversee its certification, empowering drivers to reject unsafe practices like overloading or speeding without fear of reprisal. Consequently, non-compliance with these regulations should put driver’s licenses at risk of revocation, reinforcing accountability and prioritising safety. By emphasising professionalism practice in this way, we not only make the roads safer but also boost drivers’ sense of pride and help elevate the status of their profession.

Beyond professional standards, fair compensation and working conditions are also crucial in elevating heavy vehicle driving into a respected profession. Currently, most transport companies still pay their drivers on commission / incentive-based earnings rather than a fixed salary, resulting in unstable income and immense pressure. Thus, skilled workers are discouraged from joining the industry, pushing the transport companies to have no choice but to hire individuals with behavioural or health challenges to address the driver shortage. To address this problem, the Government should take the lead in enforcing minimum wage and ensuring that transport companies provide fair benefits, including health insurance, paid leave, and retirement plans. By providing a respectable working environment, companies can retain experienced drivers and attract more qualified candidates. With these changes, drivers will view their role as a dependable and dignified career.

The logistics sector plays a vital role in Malaysia’s development, but it relies on a solid base of skilled and respected drivers to succeed. Tackling the issues they encounter—such as low wages, insufficient training, and inadequate recognition—is not merely a matter of fairness; it is crucial for the industry's future. Only by working together, we can build an environment where drivers are genuinely valued, empowered and integral to Malaysia’s continuous progress.