All commercial vehicles are required to install light reflectors effective January next year, Road Transport Department (RTD) director-general Nadzri Siron said today.

He said the light reflectors used must comply with the Malaysian Standard MS828:2011 recognised by Sirim.

"Owners of commercial vehicles who do not fix the SIRIM standard light reflectors by that time will be fined RM300 and ordered to install the reflectors," he said at a media conference today.

Nadzri said the move was being enforced following the numerous accidents at night involving commercial vehicles frequently parked by the roadside due to a breakdown.

He said that out of the more than 18 million vehicles registered with the RTD, 1.2 million were commercial vehicles.

Earlier, he attended a briefing on the installation of light reflectors attended by representatives of companies, commercial vehicle operators and owners together with the RTD, Sirim and Puspakom.

Nadzri said currently, only two companies were selling the light reflector products recognised by Sirim Qas International namely 3M Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Orafol Reflective Solutions (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, with each product being sold at between RM60 to RM80 at Puspakom and several companies appointed by the suppliers.

- Bernama