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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Tana Oy has announced the appointment of Allan Bartholin Jacobsen as its new Territory Business Manager, effective 1 September 2026. He will be responsible for advancing the company’s international sales efforts, specifically concentrating on enhancing partnerships with dealers, identifying new avenues for growth and providing dedicated support to customers within designated regions.

Bringing over three decades of expertise in international sales and business development, Jacobsen joins the Finnish company from Eggersmann GmbH, where he managed sales strategies for recycling equipment across Europe and international markets. His previous roles involved cultivating dealer networks, expanding into new territories and driving sales performance in regions spanning Scandinavia, UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

This strategic hire underscores Tana’s ongoing commitment to bolstering its commercial operations and global outreach. The company continues to rely on its international dealer network to ensure localised service, deep market understanding and sustained operational benefits for waste management and recycling clients worldwide.

Gerd Schreier, VP – Sales, Marketing & Channel Development, Tana Oy, said, “Allan’s extensive industry knowledge, international experience, and proven ability to develop strong dealer partnerships make him a valuable addition to Tana. His experience in building markets and supporting distributors fits well with our ambition to grow closer to customers and create long-term value through our global dealer network.”

Jacobsen said, “I am excited to join Tana and become part of a company with a strong reputation for robust, intelligent waste management solutions. I look forward to working with Tana’s customers and dealers to support their business and help turn waste into value.”

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Dunlop Tires North America (DTNA) has named Matt Futrelle as its new Associate Vice President for the Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) division, effective 1 August 2026. The executive will assume leadership over the company’s TBR operations, directing strategic planning and growth initiatives while reinforcing the organisation’s dedication to high-quality products and service across the North American market.

Futrelle joins the role with over two decades of experience within the automotive aftermarket sector, recognised for his capabilities in leadership, operational efficiency and commercial expansion. His professional history includes building effective teams, cultivating strong client partnerships and implementing strategic frameworks that produce consistent, long-term performance outcomes for the businesses he has served.

Darren Thomas, CEO and President, DTNA, said, “Matt's leadership experience, industry expertise and commitment to excellence make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. We are confident that his vision and customer-focused approach will help accelerate our growth in the TBR business and strengthen our position in the marketplace.”

Futrelle said, "I couldn't be more excited to join the Dunlop Tires North America team. We see significant opportunities to increase our participation in the North American Commercial Truck Tyre market bringing even more value to our commercial tire dealer and fleet partners. I am also happy to be a part of expanding the iconic Dunlop brand across North America. The brand holds a special place for me because I have such great memories growing up racing on Dunlop motocross tyres."

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Myers Industries has agreed to sell its Myers Tire Supply North America business to Lion Equity Partners for USD 30 million, as the US manufacturer sharpens its focus on engineered materials and core industrial markets.

The transaction, which has been completed, is subject to customary post-closing adjustments for cash, debt, net working capital and transaction expenses. The definitive agreement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The divestment marks a step in Myers’ strategy to reposition itself as a manufacturer of engineered resin and composite products serving infrastructure, industrial, consumer, food and beverage, and vehicle markets.

Aaron Schapper, President and Chief Executive of Myers Industries, said: “The completion of this transaction is a defining step in our ongoing transformation. By sharpening our focus on our core specialty engineered products, we are better positioned to drive long-term growth and create value for our shareholders.

“We also want to recognise the important role Myers Tire Supply has played throughout our history,” he added. “We are grateful for the dedication of the MTS team and the trusted relationships they have built with customers and the rest of the Myers team over many decades. We believe the business is well positioned for its next phase of growth under Lion Equity Partners’ ownership.”

Jim Levitas, Managing Partner at Lion Equity, said: “Myers Tire Supply has built a highly trusted brand through decades of exceptional service and commitment to its customers. We are excited to partner with the team to carry this legacy forward and support the company in its next chapter of growth.”

KeyBanc acted as exclusive financial adviser to Myers, while Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease served as legal adviser.

Founded in 1933, Myers Tire Supply distributes tools, equipment and supplies for the tyre, wheel and under-vehicle service industry across North America. The business employs 233 people, including 77 at its headquarters in Akron, Ohio, with the remainder working in sales roles and at four distribution centres.

Lion Equity Partners, based in Denver, focuses on corporate divestitures and special situations, aiming to create value through operational improvements, organic growth and acquisitions.

Myers Industries, headquartered in Akron, Ohio, manufactures plastic and metal products for a range of end markets, including consumer, vehicle, food and beverage, industrial and infrastructure.

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PCBL Chemical Limited has appointed Rohit Maindwal as Chief & Executive Director – Specialty Blacks and designated him as a senior management personnel, effective 20 August, 2026.

Maindwal brings around 32 years of industry experience. He holds a BTech in chemical engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Warangal. His previous roles include positions at Reliance Industries Limited and JBF RAK LLC, where he most recently served as Senior Executive Vice-President at Reliance Industries Limited.

The company said the appointment is in a full-time capacity, with the term not separately specified.

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