The Association of Malaysian Hauliers (Persatuan Haulier Malaysia, or AMH) conducted a series of forums during the Malaysian Commercial Vehicle Exhibition (MCVE 2026).
AMH was established in 2002 and represents over 300 container haulage companies across Malaysia. AMH serves as the collective voice of the haulage industry, advocating for policies, standards, and practices that support sustainable growth and operational efficiency.
The association also promotes best practices in safety, operational excellence, and industry collaboration. Through continuous dialogue, knowledge sharing, and strategic initiatives, AMH aims to enhance the competitiveness and public image of the Malaysian haulage and logistics sector.
The forum, ‘Improving Industry Image and Public Perception’, was keenly attended, with an audience of 100 taking in the views of the panellists – Mr Stefan Pertz, Editor of Asian Trucker Media Sdn Bhd and organiser of MCVE 2026; Mr Soo Chee Yeong, MAH President; Puan Masita binti Mat Isa, Deputy Director General (Operations), Land Transport Public Transport (Agensi Pengangkutan Awan Darat, or APAD); and Tuan Mejar (B) Adli bin Ahmad, Chief Assistant Director of Enforcement Division, Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ).
Public perception affects the shaping and renewal of public policies, and operators provide input to government policies, and the government streamlines licensing procedures.
Soo observed that public perception of commercial vehicles is mostly negative due to social media portraying traffic jams, accidents, and breakdowns, especially those involving commercial vehicles. Despite this, commercial vehicles only accounted for 5% of all accidents, leading to a public misunderstanding of hauliers.
Adli mentioned that it was important for the relevant government departments to consult with all those in the industry before implementing new policies.
Pertz said the government should take the views of drivers and haulage operators into account before introducing new policies and procedures. He added that people tend to pay more attention to negative news than positive stories. As a result, the industry is often viewed unfavorably in Malaysia, which discourages young people from becoming truck drivers.
When asked how the trucking industry is working to improve its image, Mr Soo said operators and drivers must better understand the regulations. He added that the haulage industry could also strengthen its image through more family-friendly events, allowing drivers to take pride in their work and share it with their loved ones. He also stressed the importance of working with the media to improve public perceptions of drivers and operators.
Puan Masita added that one way in which APAD was helping was in working with the private sector to monitor the sleep patterns of commercial vehicle drivers to reduce driver fatigue.
Pertz added that storytelling is most effective in improving the public image of drivers. Everyone in the commercial transport industry needs to work towards creating a positive image.
The panel was also asked who held the greatest responsibility for improving the industry’s image. The panellists agreed that transporters must raise standards and comply with regulations, as safety remains critical for all road users. Mr Soo added that operators must maintain their fleets properly and ensure their drivers are fully qualified.
Pertz also commented that the families need to support their family member who was the driver and breadwinner for the family. Society needs to give value to driving professionals.
Puan Masita concluded that compliance through educational awareness needs to be self-driven.
