Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Malaysian Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion chairman, said ABS was able to reduce motorcyclist fatalities during accidents by 31%.
“I am confident that this initiative will reduce road traffic deaths in Malaysia and inspire other Asean countries to adopt similar measures, making motorcycles safer across the region,” he said when speaking at the Conference on Asia Road Safety (CARS) here today.
Transport minister Loke Siew Fook and human resources minister Steven Sim were also present.
Zahid said the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) had implemented the Malaysian Motorcycle Assessment Programme (MyMAP) – the world’s first holistic rating system for motorcycles.
MyMAP had evaluated and rated 28 models from seven motorcycle manufacturers.
“This initiative drives the motorcycle industry towards a safety-oriented market benefitting road users.”
Zahid also proposed that MyMAP’s scope be extended beyond Malaysia to encompass the Asean or Asian region and help enhance motorcycle safety.
“Now you can know which motorcycle from which company is safer and which is not,” he said.
On another matter, Zahid said the Malaysian Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion had proposed lowering the speed limit in school zones from 40km/h to 30km/h.
The federal government will work with local authorities and schools to implement effective speed management systems, such as transverse bars and speed bumps at school zones to slow traffic and ensure the safety of schoolchildren.
“If this initiative successfully reduces road crashes in school zones, we may consider expanding the 30 km/h speed limit to other suitable areas within cities to create a safer environment for vulnerable road users.”
He also urged agencies such as Miros and the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) to lead the establishment of comprehensive initiatives dedicated 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.
When asked about whether the suggested speed limit had been gazetted, Loke said that the a decision is being made by the Cabinet committee and they would need to coordinate among several ministries, including the public works ministry and the education ministry.
“So, 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.
“This might not be a popular move but is vital for the safety of our children in schools,” he added.