Retread tyres in Malaysia are unfairly blamed for road accidents. While the tyres enjoy a pristine reputation in export markets, the notoriety within the local market stems from the lack of ability to differentiate them from low-cost and low-quality tyres that fail to comply with performance standards owing to overloading, maintenance and misapplication.

A total of 1.35 million lives are lost each year in road accidents, according to data from the Ministry of Transport Malaysia. Another data set from Statista highlighted that the South Asian country witnessed 545,000 road accidents in 2022, an increase from the previous year data of 370,000.

A large portion of these accidents involve commercial vehicles and the blame is also shared by retread tyres. A recent news report highlighted rising concerns within the Malaysian parliament to ban the use of retread tyres of commercial vehicles citing safety norms.

The situation seems ironic as the Malaysian retread industry enjoys a pristine reputation in export markets. Yet, the notoriety of retread tyres on home turf might be seen as ‘collateral damage’.

Speaking to Tyre Trends exclusively on why retread tyres remain a scapegoat for road accidents, Tyre Retreading Manufacturers Association of Malaysia (TRMAM) President Edmund Wong said, “Retread tyres are often unfairly blamed for road accidents because the public struggles to differentiate them from low-cost, low-quality tyres that fail due to poor maintenance, overloading and misapplication. Many people mistakenly associate tyre debris, especially when it reveals exposed steel cords, with retreads. However, this type of failure is more commonly linked to cheap, substandard tyres rather than retreads, which, when properly maintained and used correctly, can be as safe as new tyres. The focus on retreads allows the real issues such as inadequate tyres maintenance and overloading to remain overlooked.”

IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY

Malaysia has a higher road fatality rate compared to ASEAN peers like Singapore, largely due to motorcycle-related deaths, which make up over 65 percent of fatalities.

Malaysia’s road safety goals have reportedly fallen short despite setting out clear targets. In 2014, the government aspired to reduce road fatalities by 50 percent by 2020 as part of its alignment with United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. The initiative was a failure and the same target was reiterated in Malaysia Road Safety Plan 2022-2030.

Current figures also raise questions over the supposed success of the target. Commenting on ways that could make the reduction target a reality, Wong noted, “To reduce road fatalities by 50 percent by 2030, Malaysia should enforce traffic laws strictly, including penalties for speeding and disobeying traffic lights, while expanding automated systems like speed and red-light cameras. Enhancing road infrastructure with safety audits, smart technology and dedicated motorcycle lanes is essential.”

“Malaysia can adopt best practices, such as dedicated motorcycle lanes, public education campaigns and improved road infrastructure, while learning from Singapore’s success in enforcement, infrastructure and safety culture. Public awareness campaigns should target risky behaviours including running red lights and promote defensive driving. Protecting vulnerable road users, especially motorcyclists and pedestrians, through improved infrastructure and safety regulations is also crucial,” he added.

Alluding to why stringent safety campaigns or regulatory measures are not undertaken to reduce motorbike fatalities, he noted, “The lack of stringent safety campaigns or regulatory measures targeting motorbike users in Malaysia is due to several factors. Firstly, motorbikes are a vital mode of transport for many due to affordability and accessibility, especially in rural areas, making stricter regulations politically sensitive. Secondly, enforcement of existing laws such as helmet use and licensing is inconsistent, particularly in rural regions, allowing unsafe practices to persist. Thirdly, cultural factors like risk-taking behaviour, resistance to change and low awareness of safety risks hinder the adoption of safer practices. Lastly, limited resources, both financial and infrastructural, result in insufficient investment in targeted campaigns and dedicated motorcycle lanes, leaving riders vulnerable.”

CLOSING GAPS

Wong iterated that to improve road safety and support the retreading industry in Malaysia, several regulatory gaps and enforcement lapses need to be addressed. One significant issue is the inconsistent enforcement of tyre standards, especially for imported new tyres.

While Malaysia requires that imported tyres have certifications like the E-mark, DOT or MS, these standards can sometimes fail to verify the genuineness and reliability of the tyres, leading to concerns about the quality and safety of some imports. This lack of stringent checks on tyres authenticity puts road users at risk and undermines confidence in tyre safety.

Additionally, there is a gap in regulations requiring regular tyre maintenance checks, particularly for retread tyres. Without mandatory inspections for tread depth, pressure and overall tyre condition, vehicles, especially commercial fleets, are at higher risk of tyre-related accidents.

Another issue is the weak enforcement of penalties for overloading and the misapplication of tyres such as using retreads in unsuitable conditions. Overloading vehicles puts excessive stress on tyres, increasing the likelihood of tyre failure, and stricter penalties are needed to deter this dangerous practice.

There is limited education on the benefits of retreads and how to use them safely, which affects their acceptance and proper usage. Implementing campaigns that highlight the safety, environmental and economic benefits of retreads could help improve perceptions and encourage safer practices.

Moreover, government procurement policies should prioritise retread tyres for public transportation fleets, encouraging their use across sectors and providing a market boost to the retreading industry.

Lastly, there is a lack of clear regulations on tyre end-of-life management including guidelines for recycling and disposal. Establishing clear regulations for the responsible management of worn-out tyre, including retreads, would support the circular economy and further promote the sustainability of the retreading industry.

Addressing these regulatory gaps and enforcement lapses would not only improve road safety but also foster the growth of a reliable, safe and sustainable retreading industry in Malaysia.

REPUTATION REVIVAL

The shadow of malignance over the local retread industry is daunting, especially considering its stellar reputation abroad. A methodical plan is urgently needed to change the prevailing perception.

Commenting on how the industry can leverage its foreign reputation to promote retreads domestically, Wong explained, “Malaysia can leverage its reputation in the global retreading industry to promote retreads domestically by focusing on education, policy support and sustainability initiatives.”

“Firstly, educating the public about the benefits of retreads, such as safety, environmental advantages and cost-effectiveness, can shift perceptions. Secondly, incentivising businesses to adopt retread tyres would not only increase its usage but also align with sustainability practices. Retreads significantly reduce waste by reusing tyre casings, contributing to lower carbon footprints and less landfill waste. Offering tax breaks, rebates or financial incentives to businesses that adopt retreads can encourage the adoption of this eco-friendly practice, benefiting both companies and the environment,” he added.

He also noted that Malaysia has a well-established certification system with Malaysian Standard 224 (MS 224), which sets high-quality standards for retread tyres. This national standard ensures that domestically produced retreads meet rigorous safety and quality requirements, reinforcing consumer confidence and helping local manufacturers maintain global competitiveness. By promoting this certification and its benefits, Malaysia can further build trust in its retreading industry and drive domestic demand for high-quality retreads.

He also noted that partnerships with universities, research institutions and organisations such as the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) could play a pivotal role in establishing Malaysia as a hub for innovation in tyre retreading. These collaborations would enable research and development focused on improving the quality, safety and efficiency of retread tyre, which could enhance their appeal domestically and internationally.

“The Malaysian Rubber Board has extensive expertise in rubber technology and the development of new rubber compounds, which are crucial for retreading. By working with these organisations, Malaysia could explore advanced rubber materials and improve the durability and performance of retread tyres. MRB’s research could focus on optimising the rubber used in tyre retreading, enhancing its resilience and performance under various road conditions, thus improving the overall safety of retreads. Universities and research institutions bring additional expertise in materials science, engineering and sustainability and can help address any technical gaps in the retreading process. They could collaborate with retreading companies, fleet operators and tyre manufacturers to develop new retreading technologies, better tyre monitoring systems and more efficient processes,” explained Wong.

He added, “These partnerships could also produce credible, science-backed data on the reliability and safety of retread tyre, helping to build public trust and dispel misconceptions about retreads.”

FILLING DATA GAPS

The lack of local data to validate the reliability and safety of both retread and new tyres in Malaysia stems from several key factors, according to Wong.

“Primarily, there is a significant gap in research due to the lack of collaboration between tyre manufacturers, retreaders, fleet operators, research institutions and government agencies. Without cooperation among these stakeholders, there is little incentive or infrastructure to collect and analyse tyre failure data in the local context. This leads to a situation where tyre failure research is outdated or non-existent, leaving the industry to rely on studies from other countries such as US, which may be many years old and not reflective of current tyre technology or local conditions,” noted Wong.

He added, “This problem is not unique to Malaysia; many countries face similar challenges in gathering and sharing tyre-related data. For example, tyre debris reports and studies on tyre failures tend to be infrequent and may not accurately capture the complexities of modern tyre usage, road conditions or fleet operations. To address this gap, a collaborative effort among different stakeholders, both local and international, could be instrumental.”

Collaborations could fund and conduct comprehensive studies on tyres performance under local conditions. By sharing data and expertise, these stakeholders can develop a more accurate understanding of the causes of tyre failures, improve maintenance practices and promote better safety standards for both new and retread tyres.

Additionally, international partnerships could allow for access to global tyre failure databases and new research, enabling Malaysia to adopt best practices from countries like US, Japan or the EU, where more tyre safety research is available.

Establishing a framework for ongoing research and data sharing with regular updates and reports would help fill the data gap and improve tyre safety standards locally. This collaborative approach could ultimately lead to the development of localised tyre safety standards, improved regulations and more informed decision-making by all stakeholders involved.

NEW LEARNING

According to Wong, Malaysia can learn important lessons from countries like Japan and UK, where retread tyres are promoted effectively for their cost-efficiency and environmental benefits. Both Japan and the UK have robust local manufacturing industries for new, high-quality tyres, which ensure a consistent supply of durable tyre casings for retreading.

This industrial advantage helps protect the respective retreading industries by ensuring the availability of reliable casings that meet safety and performance requirements. Japan enforces stringent standards for both new and retread tyres through the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) such as JIS D 4202, which defines specifications for automobile tyres. These regulations ensure high-quality tyre production and maintenance, supporting a thriving retreading ecosystem.

Similarly, UK relies on the ‘E’ mark certification system, which aligns with European safety and performance regulations. The ‘E’ mark, prominently displayed on compliant tyres, indicates that a tyre has undergone rigorous testing and meets safety standards. This harmonised approach in UK ensures that only certified-quality tyres are used, reducing risks and building trust in retread tyres.

In Malaysia, the absence of a local new tyre manufacturing industry for trucks presents a challenge. The reliance on imported new tyres, coupled with the fact that Malaysia’s new tyre standard (MS 1394) is not compulsory, allows low-cost and lower-quality imports to flood the market.

These tyres often produce casings unsuitable for retreading, which undermines the retreading industry. To address these issues, Malaysia could make MS 1394 mandatory for new tyres, ensuring better-quality casings and fostering trust in retreads.

Additionally, promoting awareness of retreads’ economic and environmental benefits, strengthening enforcement of Malaysian Standard 224 (MS 224) for retread quality and offering incentives for their adoption could help the industry grow.

Technology, such as tyre monitoring systems, can play a significant role in addressing concerns about retread tyres and improving road safety. These systems provide real-time data on tyre pressure, temperature, tread depth and overall tyre health, helping to ensure that all tyres, including retreads, are properly maintained.

By monitoring tyre performance, these systems can detect early signs of wear, overloading or misapplication, reducing the risk of tyre failure. This not only enhances the safety of retread tyre but also helps prevent accidents caused by poor tyre maintenance or low-quality tyres, leading to a change in perception.

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Radar Tires has named Anthony Sbona as Territory Sales Manager for its Radar brand in North America. Entering the tyre industry in 2018, Sbona quickly established a strong foundation in sales and customer relationship management, later expanding his expertise across distribution channels and gaining a deep market understanding. His career progression reflects consistent growth and adaptability in a competitive sector.

Known for building relationships and driving results, Sbona now brings a fresh perspective and solid industry experience to the team. His new role focuses on expanding the Radar brand’s reach, strengthening distributor partnerships and accelerating growth across his assigned territory, positioning the company for sustained regional success.

Rob Montasser, Vice President for Radar Tires North America, said, “We’re excited to welcome Anthony to the Radar Tires team. Anthony’s experience gives him a strong understanding of the market and his region, and we’re confident he will play a key role in continuing to grow our presence across North America.”

Sbona said, “I’m excited to be part of the rapidly expanding Radar Tires team. I look forward to building strong partnerships, growing the brand, and contributing to the continued success of Radar Tires.”

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Monolith has elevated Russ Webb to the role of Chief Executive Officer, signalling a major shift for the Nebraska-based advanced manufacturer. The company, which produces carbon black and hydrogen using its own hydrocarbon pyrolysis technology, is headquartered in Lincoln. This leadership change reflects Monolith’s transition from a focus on technology development to pursuing large-scale manufacturing and geographic expansion, with Webb expected to drive continued progress on the company’s growth plans within the state.

A veteran of the refining, petrochemicals, speciality chemicals, polymers and carbon black sectors, Webb brings more than 35 years of industry experience to the top job. He joined Monolith as Chief Operating Officer, where he managed manufacturing, environmental health and safety, capital projects and supply chain strategy while working alongside commercial and technical teams. His background includes running operations and engineering at multiple global facilities, overseeing greenfield and expansion efforts totalling over USD 750 million and leading major investments in emissions controls, technology upgrades and energy infrastructure across two decades in the carbon black field.

Rob Hanson, Monolith’s Co-Founder, who shepherded the company from an initial concept to a functioning commercial producer of American-made carbon black, will stay on as a senior advisor to ensure a seamless handover. The company remains firmly focused on its Nebraska expansion, with ongoing momentum aimed at securing long-term investment, creating jobs and bolstering domestic output of essential industrial materials.

Hanson said, “Monolith was founded to rethink how carbon black and hydrogen are produced, and I’m incredibly proud of what this team has built. As we enter our next phase, which is focused on execution, reliability and growth, Russ is the right leader for the moment. His depth of operational experience and proven ability to lead complex manufacturing expansions position Monolith well for what comes next.”

Webb said, “I’m honoured to step into the CEO role as Monolith advances towards large-scale manufacturing and expansion in Nebraska. We have a strong foundation, meaningful momentum and a clear mission to produce carbon black and hydrogen at scale. My focus is on safe, reliable execution, strengthening our operations and supporting the company’s long-term growth.”

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BKT, which operates under the BKT Tyres brand, has launched a social media-led campaign aimed at strengthening consumer recall as it expands into India’s on-highway tyre market.

The company said the campaign, titled “Sound of BKT”, forms part of its “Elevate Your Drive” brand platform and coincides with India’s men’s T20 cricket season.

The initiative centres on a brand anthem featuring 25 cricketers from eight T20 franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians. The campaign is designed to encourage participation from fans and digital creators through user-generated content and social media engagement.

BKT said the campaign also uses sonic branding to improve brand recognition during the cricket season, which remains one of India’s most competitive advertising periods. The company has introduced a simplified “BKT Hook Step”, intended as a participative gesture that can be replicated by supporters online.

Mahesh Koppad, Chief Marketing Officer at BKT Tyres, said the company was seeking to move beyond conventional sports sponsorship as it broadened its presence in the consumer mobility market.

“Our multi-season association with Indian T20 League has successfully established robust brand visibility. However, as BKT transitions into a comprehensive mobility provider in the consumer on-highway tyre market, our marketing must evolve from passive sponsorship to active emotional resonance,” Koppad said.

He added that cricket’s cultural significance in India provided an opportunity for the company to build stronger engagement with younger consumers as it expanded its product portfolio.

The campaign will be released in phases across digital platforms, including influencer collaborations, team-specific content and participative contests during the cricket season.

Founded in 1987, BKT manufactures off-highway tyres for sectors including agriculture, construction, mining and material handling. The company recently announced its entry into India’s two-wheeler, passenger car and commercial vehicle tyre segments.

Link to the campaign:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYPZLGmoDfh/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyXOfsJ2zJo

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Anne Forristall Luke, President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), will step down from her role at the end of 2026 following an 11‑year tenure. She originally joined the organisation in 2016 when it was still known as the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). Her leadership is credited with driving substantial growth, strategic change and a measurable rise in the domestic tyre manufacturing industry’s influence.

Under her direction, the association underwent a full transformation in operations and stakeholder engagement. She led the rebrand from the Rubber Manufacturers Association to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association to sharpen the industry’s identity. Forristall Luke also developed a global strategy for navigating complex tyre material issues, expanded membership and revenue, built a high‑performing team culture and forged trusted ties with regulators, researchers, non‑governmental organisations and policymakers at federal, state and tribal levels. The industry’s legislative, regulatory, media and public affairs profile rose markedly during her tenure.

The USTMA board of directors has launched a process to find the next leader, including a search committee operating under board oversight. The search will begin in spring and continue through summer, with a target of selecting a new CEO by October 2026. Heidrick & Struggles, a retained executive search firm, is conducting the search on the board’s behalf.

Forristall Luke will remain in place through the end of the year to work closely with her successor, ensuring a smooth transition. Her final day with the association is 31 December 2026.

Forristall Luke said, “Leading USTMA for the last 11 years has been a tremendous privilege, and I look back with enormous pride on what this Association has accomplished. Together, we raised the profile of an industry that impacts the daily lives of every American and is indispensable to our nation’s safety and long-term economic prosperity. We strengthened relationships that give the tyre industry a credible and trusted voice, and we confronted difficult challenges with transparency and a long-term view. That work belongs to USTMA’s members, Board, extraordinary staff and invaluable partners who brought their expertise and commitment to this mission. I am profoundly grateful to each of them and confident that the foundation we’ve built together will support USTMA’s progress for many years to come.”

Jeff Barna, President and CEO of Yokohama Corporation North America and Chair of the USTMA Board of Directors, said, “Anne’s leadership has been exceptional. At a time of increasing regulatory complexity and public scrutiny, she brought a clear strategic vision and a steady unifying approach, strengthening USTMA’s leadership on critical policy issues and aligning our industry around a common purpose. She leaves the Association well-positioned for continued impact, and the Board is deeply grateful for her lasting contributions to USTMA and the tire industry.”

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