MIRI, Oct 27 2026: Senator Abun Sui Anyit has urged the Road Transport Departmeht (JPJ) to take into account the realities of daily life, economic needs, and the challenges faced by communities in remote areas before taking actions owners of modified 4X4 pickup trucks in Murum and Belaga areas.
He said for the smallholders, pickup truck is not merely a vehicle for daily use, it is also an essential tool for their livelihood.
"The installation of railings in the rear is typically intended to facilitate the transport of oil palm fresh fruit bunches and other agricultural produce, particularly in areas where transport infrastructure is limited," he said in a statement today.
"It must be recognized that not all smallholders have the financial means to purchase lorries or commercial vehicles specifically designed for transporting agricultural produce.," he said, noting that for many, a single 4x4 pickup truck serves multiple purposes, such as transporting palm oil harvests, carrying essential supplies, and managing family affairs.
"Therefore, we should not automatically assume that pickup owners who carry out such modifications are intentionally seeking to break the law.
"Instead, we should seek to understand the purpose behind these modifications and the actual circumstances that have compelled these individuals to make them," Abun Sui, who is also PKR Hulu Rajang branch chairman, said.
He said he understands that laws must be enforced with due regard for fairness, reasonableness, and the impact on the lives of the people.
"But enforcement approaches that lack due consideration must not end up burdening smallholders who are striving to protect their livelihoods and the survival of their families," Abun said.
He urged the federal government, through the Ministry of Transport and the Road Transport Department (JPJ), to temporarily suspend enforcement actions concerning modifications to the sideboards (tailgates/fences) of pickup trucks used for transporting agricultural produce, pending the study of an appropriate solution, subject to safety risk assessments and existing laws.
He also called on JPJ to engage in dialogue with the local community, including representatives of smallholders, community leaders, farmers' associations, and the relevant authorities—to better understand the residents' actual needs and prevent misunderstandings.
He also called for a review of existing regulations, including the possibility of legislative amendments or the establishment of reasonable, specific guidelines for vehicles used by smallholders in rural areas, provided that road safety remains upheld.
He said JPJ should develop a practical and achievable approval or modification mechanism, enabling smallholders to transport their agricultural produce without being burdened by requirements that are ill-suited to their means or local circumstances.
"I wish to emphasize that this appeal is not intended to reject the law or challenge the responsibilities of the JPJ. Rather, the goal is to ensure that the law is implemented fairly and prudently, with due regard for the interests of the people, particularly those with low incomes who rely on agricultural produce for their survival.
"One should not view these infractions solely through the lens of regulations; one must also consider the lives of the people behind these violations," he said, stating that for smallholders in Murum and Belaga, every bunch of oil palm fruit transported represents the fruits of their hard labor to support their families.
"I hope that the government and the JPJ will listen to the grievances of the rural community and work toward a fair and practical solution," he said, adding that while studies and discussions are underway, due consideration must be given to ensure that any related enforcement actions do not disproportionately affect the livelihoods of smallholders.
He said regulations must safeguard the well-being of the people, yet their implementation should also take into account the realities of the people's daily lives.
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