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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Kumho Tyre UK has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Luke Emery as Sales Director for South East England, a move that coincides with the company’s expanding product range and reports of growing demand across the region. Bringing 22 years of deep-rooted experience in the tyre sector, Emery’s background spans both motorsport and passenger car applications, positioning him well to drive commercial performance in this key territory.

His appointment forms part of Kumho’s ongoing investment in its UK operations, reflecting a continued commitment to reinforcing the domestic team as demand rises for an increasingly diverse product portfolio. In this new role, Emery will work alongside the existing UK management and sales teams to deliver dedicated support to customers throughout the South East, ensuring the business remains responsive to evolving market needs.

Richard Lyons, Managing Director, Kumho Tyre UK, said, “We are delighted to welcome Luke to the Kumho team, adding to the enrichment of our team that we have seen over the past few months. The UK market has shown excellent acceptance of our latest products and Luke’s appointment reflects our commitment to building a talented, future-focused team that can support our customers and continue driving the growth of the Kumho brand across the UK.”

Emery said, “Having worked at Kumho in the past, I’m delighted to return at such an exciting time for the brand. Kumho has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality tyres that offer excellent value and performance, and the market response to the new products has been extremely positive.”

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Clemson University has announced the appointment of Dr Saied Taheri to the External Advisory Board of its Mechanical Engineering department, strengthening ties between academia and research leadership. The move highlights the institution’s continued focus on advancing engineering education through experienced global contributors. Dr Taheri’s longstanding association with Clemson, where he completed his undergraduate, master’s and doctoral studies in mechanical engineering in 1984, 1986 and 1990, respectively, positions him as a deeply connected figure familiar with the university’s academic values and institutional goals.

Currently a professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Dr Taheri also serves as Director of the NSF-supported Industry–University Cooperative Research Center for Tire Research (CenTiRe). His career spans both academia and industry, including a tenure as a senior engineer at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and an adjunct faculty role at the University of Akron between 1998 and 2007. Since joining Virginia Tech in 2007, he has mentored a significant number of scholars. His research contributions have focused on tyre and vehicle dynamics, simulation technologies, intelligent tyre systems and chassis control.

In his new advisory capacity, Dr Taheri is expected to contribute to shaping departmental strategy and fostering innovation-driven initiatives. His combined expertise in research, teaching and leadership is anticipated to support Clemson’s efforts to enhance student outcomes and maintain excellence in mechanical engineering.

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Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has announced the promotion of four veteran sales management team members to director-level positions, effective 1 March 2026. Ken Cole, Shawn Blythe, Bill Carroll and Steven Shearer each assume expanded responsibilities across distinct areas: Cole steps into commercial accounts sales, Blythe takes on strategic accounts distribution, Carroll now oversees national retail channel, car channel and motorsports tyres and Shearer moves into sales operations and training. These leadership changes underscore the company’s dedication to cultivating internal talent and adapting to an evolving tire industry landscape.

Ken Cole, who joined Toyo in 2017 as Senior Manager for Truck Sales in the eastern region, brings over 25 years of industry experience to his new post as Director of Sales for Commercial Accounts. He succeeds Bill Barfield, who retired at the end of 2025. Shawn Blythe, a more than five-year Toyo veteran previously serving as Senior Manager for Strategic National Accounts Distribution, continues in a similar vein as Director of Strategic Accounts Distribution, focusing on driving success alongside company partners.

Bill Carroll’s new role as Director of National Retail Channel, Car Channel and Motorsports Tyres follows a tenure marked by progressive leadership, including positions as District Sales Manager, Regional Sales Manager and Senior Manager for Strategic Retail Accounts. Meanwhile, Steven Shearer, a Toyo team member since 2012 who most recently served as Senior Manager of Marketing Communications, transitions to Director of Sales Operations and Training. In this capacity, he replaces Anne Holland, who is set to retire at the end of March.

Mike Snyder, Vice President – Sales, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., said, “Ken, Shawn, Bill and Steve have shown strong leadership as senior managers of their respective teams and have been integral in the success of Toyo over the years. Their promotions are well deserved and have enabled Toyo to solidify the mid-level management team that carries the organisation into the future. I’m confident that their leadership will ensure the company’s continued growth over the coming years.”

Cole said, “I am honoured for the opportunity and look forward to helping lead Toyo’s continued growth in the commercial tire business. We have a great sales team, and we will continue to focus on delivering high-quality commercial tyres through the best servicing dealers in the industry.”

Blythe said, “Toyo’s success has been built on strong partnerships with our customers, our dealers and our talented team at Toyo. I look forward to continuing to grow those relationships and deliver results and the reliability that our customers trust every day.”

Carroll said, “I will continue to bring my passion forward in my new director role and expand Toyo’s presence in the market. Toyo makes a fantastic product, and I am passionate about supporting our dealers, consumers and commercial needs.”

Shearer said, “My goal is to continue advancing sales programmes, tools and communications that improve the ease of doing business and drive success for both Toyo Tires and our customers. I am committed to supporting our dealers, and their success is central to everything we do.”

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has secured the second position among BW Businessworld India’s Top 5 Most Sustainable Companies in the Automotive Components sector, marking a significant recognition of the company’s dedication to responsible and future-oriented business operations. The ranking underscores the organisation’s consistent efforts to embed sustainability into its corporate framework, highlighting its progress in aligning industrial performance with long-term environmental and social accountability.

In addition to this sector-specific accolade, Apollo Tyres has been named among BW India’s Top 60 Most Sustainable Companies for the 2024–25 edition, a distinction drawn from a broader evaluation of the country’s top 200 corporations. Further cementing this achievement, the company has also been featured within the Top 30 most sustainable organisations among that select cohort. The assessment involved a comprehensive review across a wide range of Environmental, Social and Governance parameters, providing a holistic evaluation of Apollo Tyres’ sustainability initiatives and their measurable long-term impact.

The BW Sustainability World platform continues to serve as a key forum for industry leaders, fostering the exchange of insights, inspiration and actionable strategies aimed at accelerating sustainable transformation across sectors. Apollo Tyres remains steadfast in its commitment to driving meaningful change and contributing to a more sustainable future, building on these recognitions as benchmarks of its ongoing journey.

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