21/09/2025

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday SEPT 21, 2025 Penang Port to have additional railway track

Deadly danger of carbon monoxide often overlooked

Fumes can accumulate in minutes when engines left running in parked cars, researchers caution

BUTTERWORTH: The Transport Ministry is planning to build an additional railway track at Penang Port to improve logistics efficiency and ease traffic congestion in the surrounding area. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the project involves extending the existing track from 500m to 1,010m. “This proposal is currently being drafted. Our priority is to implement the project as soon as possible to achieve two key objectives. First, having the full track inside the port will increase efficiency in container loading operations and second, it will prevent rail carriages from spilling over onto public roads. “At present, the track can only accommodate about 30 out of 50 carriages, leaving the remaining 20 outside the port area and causing traffic disruptions,” he said after launching the Professional Advancement in Trucking and Haulage (PATH) programme yesterday. The event was also attended by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. Loke noted that the conventional approach requiring budget approval and tender processes often takes too long. Instead, the ministry is pursuing a strategic partnership to deliver the project more quickly and cost-effectively, Bernama reported. Discussions are being held with port operators, including MMC Ports and Penang Port, to share costs while the Railway Assets Corporation will provide materials such as used tracks and sleepers to help reduce construction expenses. Loke said the PATH programme was designed to increase the capacity of haulier drivers nationwide. PATH is described as a high impact initiative that combines structured training and professional certification, in line with efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s logistics and transport sector. The government has allocated RM2.5 million for the programme, which will benefit over 1,000 participants. At Penang Port, 200 drivers will undergo intensive training covering the E licence, joint E GDL, and safety and work ethics modules. “This programme is aimed at improving port efficiency through more competent lorry drivers. In turn, it will smoothen cargo delivery operations and create new jobs and income opportunities, especially for youth and local workers in the fast growing logistics sector.” He explained that while port drivers are currently allowed to operate trucks within controlled areas without an E licence, they are not permitted to drive on public roads. “The main barrier for them to obtain the licence is the high cost and this programme is designed to overcome that challenge.”

█ BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Invisible and deadly, carbon monoxide (CO) is among the most overlooked vehicle hazards, a colourless and odourless gas that experts say could cause death without any indication of danger. The mortal risks were highlighted last week when a 57-year-old woman and her disabled daughter, 25, were found dead in their parked vehicle in Malacca. They are believed to have succumbed to CO poisoning after falling asleep with the air conditioning running. Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head associate professor Dr Law Teik Hua told theSun that CO poisoning remains a serious yet under-recognised risk, particularly when people leave their engines running in stationary vehicles. “This is extremely risky and life-threatening. CO in vehicles comes from engine exhaust that can leak into the cabin, unlike home air conditioners, which do not produce the gas. The danger arises only if there are fuel burning appliances nearby that leak the gas,” he explained. Law added that while CO is normally vented through the exhaust, a car left idling can draw emissions back into the cabin via the air intake, usually located at the base of the windscreen. He cautioned that in enclosed spaces or if the exhaust system is damaged, the gas can accumulate rapidly to lethal levels. “The gas binds to haemoglobin in the blood up to 250 times more effectively than oxygen, depriving the body of oxygen at the cellular level. Concentrations can become life-threatening in less than 10 minutes,” he said. Risk factors include faulty exhaust systems with rust holes, cracks or loose connections, leaky door seals or floor pans that channel fumes inside and blocked tailpipes caused by snow, mud or even a trailer hitch, which force gases back into the vehicle.

He added that a poorly tuned engine running too “rich” with excess fuel can also produce higher levels of CO. He stressed that those who must sleep in a car should avoid running the engine. Instead, he advised parking in a safe, well ventilated area such as an open rest stop, using the battery to power the fan without air conditioning and cracking windows slightly to allow cross ventilation. “Dressing appropriately for the weather is equally important. For regular car camping, investing in a portable power station to safely run a fan or electric blanket is advisable.” Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh echoed the warning, adding that CO poisoning can be fatal even in seemingly safe situations. Citing data published by research expert Amanda Siddharta of data portal Statista, she pointed out that Malaysia recorded about two million metric tonnes of CO emissions in 2022, an increase from the previous year. “Many people remain unaware of the dangers of CO exposure while sleeping in a car with the engine running. “The risk is even higher when sleeping as people are less aware of the danger,” she explained. Sharifa said early symptoms of poisoning include headache, dizziness, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, breathlessness and mild confusion, which can escalate to coma, convulsions, blurred vision, blindness and death. She added that babies, infants, the elderly and those with chronic heart or respiratory conditions, anaemia or other breathing problems are especially vulnerable, stressing the importance of regular vehicle checks and proper maintenance.

theSun graphics by QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI