In a move seen as a significant step toward increasing public understanding of tyre safety, the director of the Johor branch of the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ), accompanied by a team of 40 officers, recently conducted an official visit to the Highclass Technics Sdn Bhd retread tyre factory in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Highclass Raising Retreading Profile
The visit was part of a broader initiative by Highclass Technics to promote awareness of retread tyre technology and its role in enhancing road safety. The visit featured a comprehensive plant tour and a technical training session led by the company’s in-house experts.
During the session, JPJ officers received in-depth training covering the fundamentals and benefits of retreaded tyres, the complete retreading process—from casing inspection to final quality control—as well as the latest technologies employed by the company. Emphasis was placed on the strict quality control measures implemented throughout production.
Highclass Technics, a leading player in Malaysia’s retreading industry, is certified under ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems and holds dual SIRIM accreditations: MS224 (Malaysian Standard for Retreaded Commercial Vehicle Tyres) and MS1208 (Standard for the Inspection of Retread Tyres).
One of the key objectives of the visit was to address and correct widespread misconceptions about tyre failures. JPJ officers were briefed on the reality that many on-road tyre incidents are not caused by retreads but by other factors such as underinflation, overloading, poor maintenance, or the use of worn-out casings. Properly manufactured and maintained retreads, they were told, are a safe, durable, and cost-effective alternative to new tyres.
Sustainability was another major theme of the visit. Highclass Technics underscored how retreading contributes to environmental conservation by extending the life of tyre casings, thereby reducing waste and preserving raw materials.
Desmond Kew, Managing Director of Highclass Technics, commented: “This visit to our premises by JPJ Officers highlights the positive benefits accrued by strengthening the relationship of the retread sector with agencies like JPJ, thereby ensuring transparency, education and continuous improvement across the industry.”
