KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 26 -- Transport Minister Anthony Loke has defended the government's tough stance against overloaded lorries claiming enforcement will continue despite complaints from industry groups who've warned of rising costs and project delays.

Responding in Parliament today Loke said warnings from construction associations including the Masters Builders Association of Malaysia were expected but insisted that public safety and road integrity must come first.

"Profit is not everything, human life is more important," he said.

"If our choice is to sit with these groups and give in to their demands, then we might as well close our eyes and stop enforcing the law."

He said the fact the groups were raising this issue shows they had f...