JOHOR BARU: In an effort to make life easier for those driving heavy vehicles, the Transport Ministry has combined three classes of licences for handling heavy vehicles into one.

       Starting March 1, drivers with a Malaysian Driving Licence (LMM) and a Class E licence can drive heavy vehicles of all categories, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       He said the new policy was made following feedback from small businesses of having limitations to ferry certain loads due to the specific requirements under the existing E2, E1 and E classes of licence.

       “We studied the matter and looked at the technical aspects before deciding on combining the E2, E1 and E classes of licences into one,” Dr Wee said after launching a road safety campaign organised by the Johor Sand and Granite Lorry Operators Association in Ulu Tiram yesterday.

       Dr Wee said the latest move is expected to make things easier for those seeking to drive heavy vehicles to earn a living.

       “I believe this is a policy that will be helpful for the people as it will increase their competency and allow them to get better employment opportunities as lorry drivers,” he said.

       More information about the new policy will be made known soon, he added.

       Earlier in his speech, Dr Wee announced that the three classes of licences would be combined into one following public requests.

       “After studying the matter further, we found that the issue came about due to confusion and the misunderstanding of the specific requirements based on the different driving licences.

       “As such, I would like to announce that the Transport Ministry has now combined the three existing classes of heavy vehicle driving licences, namely Class E2, E1 and E into Class E only, effective March 1,” he said.

       From March 1, he explained that E2 and E1 licences will no longer be available for the public.

       These drivers can just get the Class E licence to drive heavy vehicles, he said.

       Currently, those with an E1 licence can drive trucks with unloaded weight not exceeding 7,500kg while those with an E2 licence can drive trucks with unladen weight not exceeding 5,000kg.

       “Previously, a person will have to go through a long process of applying for one licence after another. This requires additional costs and time,” he said.

       He hoped that with one class of licence, it would simplify matters and open the door to employment opportunities as commercial drivers, especially during the post-Covid-19 period.

       Dr Wee also said that those who currently hold either the E2 or E1 licences will be given five years to go through a transition programme.

       “All existing E1 and E2 licence holders are offered to undergo a transition programme to obtain the class E licence,” he said.