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Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Changes for the better are woefully slow in Malaysia
A FORUM titled 'Public Roads Don't Belong to Bicycle Gangs' was held at Pantai Dalam in Kuala Lumpur last Sunday. It was moderated by former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin. The panel included Bukit Aman Traffic Investigations and Enforcement Department deputy director of enforcement Khairul Azhar Ismail, and Road Transport Department (JPJ) assistant director (operations) Mohd Alifarihan Abdullah. Alifarihan disclosed that current regulations only require buses to be equipped with a GPS system, and JPJ is considering making dashboard cameras (dashcams) compulsory in all public transport vehicles. He said, 'The licences and conditions for public vehicles are only GPS and is why having dashcams compulsory is a good idea, for now it's only mandatory to have a GPS.' The proposal was made after a viral video showed an MRT feeder bus driving too close to a group of cyclists riding abreast on a narrow road, sparking a brief confrontation. One of the cyclists involved raised the issue during the forum and Rapid KL has since launched an internal investigation into the incident. More than 10 years ago, I had already proposed that the public be invited to install quality dashcams to record traffic violations and submit evidence to the authorities and be paid based on fines collected, which was explained in 'All eyes on road safety' published on Nov 9, 2015. Since then, I have written many similar published proposals. For example, when promoting e-hailing services for motorcycles to be introduced in Malaysia, I advocated fitting video cameras in front of crash helmets and at the rear of e-hailing bikes to record transgressions of other vehicles. I have also repeatedly suggested that RapidKL buses be fitted with dashcams and rear facing cameras to record thousands of traffic violations daily, including vehicles parked at bus stops and illegally near junctions, stopping at yellow boxes and jumping red lights, especially motorcycles. But neither the authorities nor RapidKL had followed up with my proposals, including the one I made in 2003 when I proposed in a road safety forum and published a full-page in a broadsheet newspaper to appoint many concessionaires to assist in recording traffic offences nationwide. In this new millennium, it would be a big miscalculation for any country to undergo slow changes. For example, Japan rose from the ashes of the Second World War by copying Western products and making them cheaply, and everyone then used to laugh at inferior Japanese products. But they practised Kaizen by continuously making incremental, ongoing improvements in work procedures, processes and products. Long before the end of the last millennium, Japanese products were regarded as high quality at reasonable prices and sought after around the world. China too started manufacturing by churning out inferior products as cheap as possible. But later, they did not go through the slow improvement to reach Japanese standard. With no legacy to protect, they went all in to develop new technologies and reinvent existing products. This was made possible because China produced the largest number and highest percentage of university graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Our country too could be transformed if our sharp minds are not prevented from getting things done. ‒ July 23, 2025 YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image:
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Malay Mail
‘We can't be there 24/7': JPJ proposes CCTV to punish lane abuse by motorists, cyclists
KUALA LUMPUR July 20 — The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is exploring the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems to monitor and act against motorists who encroach into bicycle lanes. The proposal was floated to improve cyclist safety without the need for constant on-ground enforcement, Putrajaya JPJ assistant director (operations) Mohd Alifarihan Abdullah said today. 'We can't be there 24/7, but if we install CCTVs at key points, we can record evidence and take appropriate action. 'We know bicycle lanes and emergency lanes are encroached regularly creating hazardous situations. 'We've seen cases where motorcycles are clearly in the wrong lane, and with video evidence, we can issue summonses or even arrest repeat offenders,' ,' he said during a town hall session titled 'Public Roads Don't Belong to Bicycle Gangs' at Pantai Dalam here. The public talk was moderated by former sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin, an avid cyclist who has experienced a nasty fall into a pothole while cycling. JPJ assistant director (operations) Mohd Alifarihan Abdullah speaks during a public forum titled 'Public Roads Don't Belong to Bicycle Gangs' at Pantai Dalam, Kuala Lumpur on July 20, 2025. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa Cycling advocacy has grown in recent years, but so too have conflicts between cyclists and other road users. A recent video clip shared online showing an MRT feeder bus driving close to a group of cyclists who were riding abreast on a narrow street, leading to a brief confrontation reignited debate over road safety. During the town hall session, other speakers pointed to common offences committed by both groups, such as cyclists ignoring traffic lights or veering across lanes, and motorcyclists entering bicycle paths. The JPJ officer noted that while laws do exist to protect cyclists, enforcement is difficult due to vague practices and inconsistent road behaviour, particularly when cyclists ride two-abreast. Alifarihan said that 'many cyclists themselves are not fully compliant' with traffic rules in real life. 'Some prefer riding in long columns, others in pairs, and that creates a grey area for enforcement. We need to modernise our approach to make cycling safer,' he added.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Malay Mail
Dashcams on all public vehicles? JPJ says it's a good idea
KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 — The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is considering making dashboard cameras (dashcams) compulsory in all public transport vehicles. JPJ assistant director (operations) Mohd Alifarihan Abdullah said current regulations only require these vehicles to be equipped with a GPS system. 'The licences and conditions for public vehicles are only GPS and is why having dashcams compulsory is a good idea but for now it's only mandatory to have a GPS,' he said a forum titled 'Public Roads Don't Belong to Bicycle Gangs' held in Pantai Dalam today. The proposal comes after a viral video showed an MRT feeder bus driving too close to a group of cyclists riding abreast on a narrow road, sparking a brief confrontation. Rapid KL has since launched an internal investigation into the incident. One of the cyclists involved raised the issue during the forum, which was moderated by former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin. Also on the panel was Bukit Aman Traffic Investigations and Enforcement Department deputy director of enforcement Khairul Azhar Ismail. Khairul noted that while offences involving cyclists rarely reach the police, motorists are more often caught for alcohol consumption or misusing road lanes. As public calls for safer infrastructure and clearer regulations grow, he stressed the need for shared responsibility on the road. 'Understanding each other's rights and responsibilities is key. If we all follow the rules, safety will improve not just for cyclists, but for everyone,' he said.
The Guardian
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘An insult': Malaysians slam nomination of ‘alpha-male' Nick Adams as US ambassador
Former government ministers and youth politicians in Muslim-majority Malaysia have slammed a decision to nominate right-wing influencer Nick Adams as US ambassador to the country, calling it an insult to the nation. Donald Trump announced last week that Nick Adams, a self-proclaimed 'alpha male', had been announced as ambassador to Malaysia, praising him as a 'incredible patriot'. However, Adam's past online comments and his support for Israel, have prompted calls for the Malaysian government to reject his appointment. Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin have both urged the government to oppose his posting. Malaysia 'should not be treated as a dumping ground for ideological firebrands and partisan influencers,' Zaid said, adding that Adams' nomination 'would not be a gesture of goodwill-it would be an insult.' Transport minister Anthony Loke, who is the secretary-general of DAP, a member of the national unity government, will also oppose Adams' appointment, according to local media, which reported his party planned to issue a statement on the matter. Adams, 40, who was born in Australia but obtained US citizenship in 2021, will need to be confirmed by the US Senate before he can assume the role. He said on social media last week it was 'nothing short of a lifetime's honour to take the president's goodwill and spread it to the great people of Malaysia'. He looked forward to strengthening ties between the two countries, he said, telling Malaysians he could not wait 'to experience your noble culture and learn much from you'. Adams' comments about Israel have provoked particular concern in Malaysia, a staunch supporter of Palestine, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. In a post shared on X in 2024, Adams stated: 'If you don't stand with Israel, you stand with terrorists!' Another comment allegedly written by Adams on X in 2024, in which he claimed to have ensured a waitress was fired for wearing a 'Free Palestine' pin, has been widely cited by pro-Palestine groups and youth leaders opposing his appointment. The post cannot be found on X. A youth leader with the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Sukri Omar, said the Malaysian government should 'send a clear message that Malaysia will not be a stage for normalising Zionist tyranny …' Adams, and the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur, did not respond to a request for comment regarding the cited post, or criticism over his appointment. Dr Bridget Welsh, a political analyst specialising in South-east Asia, said Adams' nomination reflected a lack of understanding of the importance of Malaysia, and the wider region, to the US. 'There is no real recognition and deep appreciation about how critical a role Malaysia plays in the US economy, and the critical importance of these ties for issues of security,' she said. Decisions such as Adams' nomination risked 'pushing everyone [in Southeast Asia] into the arms of China,' she said, adding this was counterproductive for those in the Maga movement who perceive Beijing as a threat. Political relations between Malaysia and the US have become strained over recent years – due to the Israel's war in Gaza, US-China competition, and Trump's threat to impose a 25% tariff on Malaysia. 'Anti-Amercianism is running very deep on the issues of Gaza, on issues associated with Iran, among large sections of the population – not everybody, but many … Will [Adams] be diplomatic? His Twitter [X] account raises questions,' said Welsh.
The Guardian
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘An insult': Malaysians slam nomination of ‘alpha-male' Nick Adams as US ambassador
Former government ministers and Islamic youth politicians in Muslim-majority Malaysia have slammed a decision to nominate right-wing influencer Nick Adams as US ambassador to the country, calling it an insult to the nation. Donald Trump announced last week that Nick Adams, a self-proclaimed 'alpha male', had been announced as ambassador to Malaysia, praising him as a 'incredible patriot'. However, Adam's past online comments and his support for Israel, have prompted calls for the Malaysian government to reject his appointment. Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin have both urged the government to oppose his posting. Malaysia 'should not be treated as a dumping ground for ideological firebrands and partisan influencers,' Zaid said, adding that Adams' nomination 'would not be a gesture of goodwill-it would be an insult.' Transport minister Anthony Loke, who is the secretary-general of DAP, a member of the national unity government, will also oppose Adams' appointment, according to local media, which reported his party planned to issue a statement on the matter. Adams, 40, who was born in Australia but obtained US citizenship in 2021, will need to be confirmed by the US Senate before he can assume the role. He said on social media last week it was 'nothing short of a lifetime's honour to take the president's goodwill and spread it to the great people of Malaysia'. He looked forward to strengthening ties between the two countries, he said, telling Malaysians he could not wait 'to experience your noble culture and learn much from you'. Adams' comments about Israel have provoked particular concern in Malaysia, a staunch supporter of Palestine, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. In a post shared on X in 2024, Adams stated: 'If you don't stand with Israel, you stand with terrorists!' Another comment allegedly written by Adams on X in 2024, in which he claimed to have ensured a waitress was fired for wearing a 'Free Palestine' pin, has been widely cited by pro-Palestine groups and youth leaders opposing his appointment. The post cannot be found on X. A youth leader with the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Sukri Omar, said the Malaysian government should 'send a clear message that Malaysia will not be a stage for normalising Zionist tyranny…' Adams, and the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur, did not respond to a request for comment regarding the cited post, or criticism over his appointment. Dr Bridget Welsh, a political analyst specialising in South-east Asia, said Adams' nomination reflected a lack of understanding of the importance of Malaysia, and the wider region, to the US. 'There is no real recognition and deep appreciation about how critical a role Malaysia plays in the US economy, and the critical importance of these ties for issues of security,' she said. Decisions such as Adams' nomination risked 'pushing everyone [in Southeast Asia] into the arms of China,' she said, adding this was counterproductive for those in the Maga movement who perceive Beijing as a threat. Political relations between Malaysia and the US have become strained over recent years – due to the Israel's war in Gaza, US-China competition, and Trump's threat to impose a 25% tariff on Malaysia. 'Anti-Amercianism is running very deep on the issues of Gaza, on issues associated with Iran, among large sections of the population – not everybody, but many … Will [Adams] be diplomatic? His Twitter [X] account raises questions,' said Welsh.
