State govt partners USM to educate motorists on safe commuting

The Star

07-05-2025

Zairil testing a motorcycle simulator at the World Day for Safety and Health at Work at The Ship Campus in Batu Kawan, Penang.
ABOUT 80% of road deaths in Penang involve motorcyclists.
Penang transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, citing statistics from the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), said commuting accidents among employees had doubled over the past two decades, rising from 17,609 cases in 2003 to 38,458 in 2023.
He said data also showed 52.1% of accidents happened en route to work, while about 36% occurred on the return journey.
In a concerted effort to enhance road safety awareness, Zairil said the Penang government had partnered with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for the Commuting Safety Management System (CAMS) project.
The CAMS initiative is a collaborative effort between USM and Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd, with the aim of reducing motorcycle- related accidents.
Zairil also highlighted a positive outcome from the CAMS pilot project at Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP).
'Targeted interventions over five years have led to zero accidents over a 10-month period among new employees who received safety riding training.
'In the past, accidents often occur within two to four weeks of starting work,' he said as reported by state publisher Buletin Mutiara.
Zairil also noted a significant reduction in hand injuries following the introduction of gloves for riders who completed the intermediate-level safety riding training under the CAMS programme.
He credited the initiative's success to the strong synergy among three key players – the university, Penang government and the industry.
'USM led the project through comprehensive data analysis, monitoring and intervention work,' said Zairil.
'The Penang government facilitated engagement with agencies and industries, while participating companies directly implemented interventions and closely monitored their motorcyclists.'
He emphasised the need for collective responsibility to ensure safer roads.
'Road safety is everyone's responsibility. Only through shared commitment and active participation can we create a safer commuting environment for all,' he said during the opening ceremony of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work held at The Ship Campus in Batu Kawan.
Zairil described the CAMS project as a key strategic initiative aligned with Penang2030 vision.
'This project embodies the Penang2030 vision by enhancing liveability, improving the quality of life through the reduction of road accidents and empowering civic participation through community-based safety initiatives.'
He added that the project, in line with the Malaysia Road Safety Plan 2022-2030, complemented the Penang Transport Masterplan objectives.
It was aimed at reducing accident rates, particularly among motorcyclists, and elevating the standard of living, liveability and productivity in the state.
During the event, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was exchanged between USM and Penang government to formalise collaboration on the CAMS project.
Also present were Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, USM deputy vice-chancellor Prof Dr Azlan Amran, USM CAMS project leader Assoc Prof Dr Lilis Surienty Abd Talib and Boon Siew Honda human resources and administration chief officer Rosidan Harun.