PUTRAJAYA, Sept 2 — New motorcycles 150cc and above must have anti-lock braking (ABS) from January 1 to reduce road crashes, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
Zahid, who is also Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion chairman, said ABS can lower motorcyclist deaths due to crashes by 31 per cent.
“I am confident this initiative will reduce road crash deaths in Malaysia and inspire Asean countries to adopt similar measures, making motorcycles safer across the region,” he said at the Conference on Asia Road Safety here today, which was also attended by Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.
He added that the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) has implemented the Malaysian Motorcycle Assessment Programme (MyMap), the world’s first holistic rating system for motorcycles, and said MyMap has evaluated and rated 28 models from seven motorcycle manufacturers.
“This initiative drives the motorcycle industry towards a safety-oriented market benefiting road users,” he said.
Zahid also suggested MyMAP’s scope be extended beyond Malaysia to encompass Asean or even Asia, enhancing motorcycle safety across the continent.
“Now you can know which motorcycle from which company is safer, and which is not,” he said.
He said the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion has proposed lowering the speed limit in school zones from 40kph to 30kph, and that the federal government will work with local authorities and schools to implement effective speed management systems, such as transverse bars and speed bumps, in school zones to slow traffic.
“If this initiative successfully reduces road crashes in school zones, we may consider expanding the 30kph speed limit to suitable areas within cities to create a safer environment for vulnerable road users,” he said.
He urged agencies such as Miros and the Social Security Organisation to lead the establishment of comprehensive initiatives to enhance road and commuting safety, especially for motorcyclists, commercial vehicles and the logistics sector.
“Through collaborative efforts, we can design and implement targeted interventions that reduce road crashes and elevate safety standards across the board, making our roads safer for everyone, especially those in high-risk groups such as motorcyclists,” he said.
Meanwhile, when asked about whether the suggested speed limits have been gazetted, Loke said the matter is being considered by a Cabinet committee, which has to coordinate several ministries, including the Public Works Ministry and the Education Ministry.
“We need to take a bit of time for this process… but I would like to thank the deputy prime minister as he has the courage to make such a decision, which might not be popular, but is vital for the safety of our children in schools,” he added.
— Bernama
