Malaysia plans to introduce a voluntary rollout of driver-monitoring telematics for commercial vehicles in 2027, followed by potentially mandatory installation from 2028.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the plans on October 9th, following an initiative introduced by the Transport Ministry in June.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said operators would be given time to prepare before the requirements become compulsory, although no firm deadline has been set.

The proposed systems combine GPS tracking, onboard cameras and sensors to monitor speeding, harsh braking, sudden acceleration and driver behaviour. Some systems use artificial intelligence to detect fatigue and distraction. The government is also considering alcohol detection technology that could prevent drivers from starting their vehicles if they fail a breath test.

The proposed requirements would extend existing GPS tracking regulations for commercial vehicles, including buses and trucks. Telematics data would be integrated into a planned centralised Commercial Vehicle Driver Database System, allowing authorities to monitor driving records and support enforcement.

The Transport Ministry tested the technology between September and December 2025. Five companies initially participated. In October, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) confirmed that six private suppliers had received accreditation. Operators will be able to choose from approved providers, with monthly subscription costs estimated at MYR 60 to MYR 300 (US$ 15-75) per vehicle, depending on the equipment and services included.

The government has yet to finalise the technical standards, data reporting requirements or timetable for compulsory installation. It is also unclear whether existing fleet telematics systems will meet the eventual requirements.

Costs remain a concern, particularly for smaller transport companies. A previous attempt to introduce compulsory monitoring equipment for buses through insurance requirements was abandoned in 2016 following industry objections. The proposed package at the time cost approximately MYR 3,400 per vehicle, including an annual service fee.

Road safety advocate Shahrim Tamrin has called for financial incentives and a clear enforcement timetable. He has also questioned the effectiveness of mandatory telematics without an operational driver database and appropriate enforcement arrangements. The government maintains that the subscription model will reduce upfront costs.

The initiative is part of efforts to address commercial vehicle safety. Preliminary police figures recorded 163 fatal accidents involving heavy goods vehicles in 2025, compared with 260 in 2024. Loke has identified speeding, fatigue and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol as risks the government intends to address.

Malaysia has also introduced speed limiter requirements for heavy commercial vehicles. However, some installation deadlines were postponed in June 2026 following requests from operators. The Transport Ministry has indicated that industry readiness will also influence the implementation schedule for telematics requirements.