JOHOR BARU: Starting March 1, those who want a licence to drive heavy vehicles can obtain a Class E licence, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
"From March 1 onwards, the Class E2 and E1 licences will no longer be available and the public can just get the Class E licence to drive heavy vehicles," said the Transport Minister.
He said that the new policy was made following complaints from small businesses that have had action taken against them due to the de-controlled classification.
"After studying the matter further, we found that the issue stems from the confusion and misunderstanding over the de-controlled policy, where there are 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 E2, E1 and E into Class E only, effective March 1," he said in his speech after launching a road safety campaign organised by the Johor Sand and Granite Lorry Operators Association here in Ulu Tiram on Sunday (Feb 27).
Currently, those with an E1 licence can only drive heavy vehicles with unladen weight not exceeding 7,500kg while those with E2 licence can only drive heavy vehicles with unladen weight not exceeding 5,000kg.
"Previously, a person will have to go through a long process of taking one licence after the other. This requires additional cost and time.
"The combination of the three classes of licences is hoped to simplify things for the people and open them up to more employment opportunities as a commercial driver, especially post-Covid-19," he said.
Dr Wee also said that those who currently hold E2 or E1 licences will be given five years to go through a transition programme.
In a Facebook post, he said as of Feb 18, there are 62,000 Class E1 and E2 active licence holders, out of the 90,000 recorded. Of this number, only 11,000 possess vocational licences either as public service vehicle drivers, including bus drivers or goods vehicles.