Published by: FOCUS MALAYSIA
PUTRAJAYA (22 December 2024) — Malaysia faces a critical road safety issue, with over 6,000 fatalities annually and 5,364 deaths from 5,029 fatal accidents recorded between January and October 2024.
Alarmingly, nearly 65% of these involve motorcyclists, with no significant decline despite ongoing efforts.
Concerned with the persistent problem, the government has formed a Cabinet Committee on Road Safety, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, to develop strategies and policies to address the issue.
In an interview with Harian Metro, Minister of Transport Anthony Loke said the Malaysian government is taking decisive steps to address the alarming number of motorcycle-related traffic fatalities, which constitute nearly 65% of all road accident deaths annually.
The government is prioritising improvements to public transportation to offer safer alternatives for the public, particularly motorcyclists who rely on their bikes for daily commuting.
Among the measures there is also the introduction of speed limit meters for buses, which will be mandatory for new vehicles, to regulate driving speeds and improve safety on public roads.
“We need to make public transportation safer and more accessible. Enhancing services like Demand Ride Transit (DRT) offers flexibility for users travelling from their homes to nearby transport hubs. This service will be expanded next year with 300 additional vans,” said Loke.
While these measures aim to reduce dependency on motorcycles, Loke acknowledged the significant role of rider behaviour in accidents.
He noted that many young motorcyclists ride without proper licences, putting themselves and others at risk.
“We can enforce stricter licensing laws, but compliance is key. Without awareness and responsibility, laws alone cannot solve the issue,” he said.
The government is also exploring awareness campaigns in schools and youth programs to instil a culture of safe riding among young Malaysians.
“Changing attitudes starts with education. We must teach our youth the importance of road safety,” Loke added.
These combined efforts reflect the government’s commitment to tackling the high toll of motorcycle-related accidents and improving road safety across Malaysia.
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