The programme focuses on a driver aptitude test (DAT) in a training facility belonging to HMSM which is offered at the Hino Total Support Customer Center (HTSCC) in Sendayan, Negri Sembilan. Both HMSM and YTM have been working closely together since 1989.
The test is the first of its kind for the industry with HMSM aiming to help reduce the number of traffic incidents in the country.
HMSM cited figures from the Traffic Investigations and Enforcement Department that Malaysia records the thirds most road-related fatalities in the world.
As outlined in the Road Safety Plan of Malaysia (2014-2020), the country looks to reduce the number of fatalities by 50% by 2020.
Japanese embassy economics counsellor Hideto Nakajima trying out the Safe Driving Training programme.
The Japanese truck maker hopes that it can one day collaborate with the government to help make their programme mandatory (as it is in Japan) in order to help achieve and surpass the government's target.
The training program provided is conducted at HTSCC and includes safety-related content using a combination of driving aptitude diagnosis, training lectures, and vehicle training.
The training is based on each driver's driving characteristics, with the aim of further improving their knowledge, awareness, and driving skills for safer driving.
Specifically, instructors use the results of qualitative driving aptitude tests, and give awareness through quantitative on-the-job training, as well as facilitate improvement in their knowledge and consciousness of safe driving.
In addition, training results are shared with the drivers and business operators as an aid to their daily safe driving guidance.
In order to contribute to the development of a safe and secure vehicle operating society in Malaysia, the two companies are taking advantage of their joint experience in both Japan and Malaysia to launch an initiative for safe vehicle operation in the logistics and transport businesses.
In the future, both HMSM and YTM will continue to work together to further enhance their programs and content in order to achieve a safe and secure vehicle operating society in Malaysia.
According to HMSM managing director Atsushi Uchiyama and YTM managing director Takeshi Kitaoka, both MDs believe in the motto "Safety first. Profit later."
From left: Uchiyama and Kitaoka.
"Please always remember that your family is waiting for you, so it is important to always keep this in your mind," added Kitaoka as a message to all drivers in the nation.
HTSCC was established in February 2015 as a test drive and training facility for customers and is the first permanent overseas facility able to carry out the programme outside of Japan.
Hino SR1E 700 6x2 prime movers
