Latest news with #MalaysianRoadandTransportationSafetyAssociation
The Star
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
‘Specialised training should be introduced to enhance road safety'
PETALING JAYA: The driving school curriculum in Malaysia needs to be improved through tailored training to effectively enhance road safety among drivers, says Road Safety Marshal Club president K. Balasupramaniam. He said specialised training that considers the specific challenges drivers face should be introduced, based on factors such as vehicle type and varied route conditions. 'While the existing curriculum is adequate, additional training tailored to drivers' specific needs – like managing automatic versus manual buses or navigating difficult terrains such as Cameron Highlands – is crucial. 'It is necessary to equip drivers with survival skills and defensive driving techniques specific to their routes,' he said yesterday. Balasupramaniam stressed the importance of the '3M factor' of man, machine, and maintenance. 'A holistic approach is essential, involving not only driver training but also educating their families to support safer driving habits,' he said. He also urged greater investment in vehicle technology and maintenance, citing systems like Tyron that mitigate flat tyre-related accidents. Balasupramaniam emphasised that the responsibility of maintenance extends not only to the driver, but also to mechanics and company policies. 'If a company limits its budget, leading to inadequate vehicle upkeep, it ultimately falls on the driver when malfunctions occur. 'This blame game is avoidable if we focus on 3M: the preparedness of the driver, the performance of the machine and thorough maintenance,' he added. Malaysian Road and Transportation Safety Association president Md Hairolazaman Muhamed said road conditions need to be looked at as contributing factors to road accidents. 'There are certain stretches of roads which are not properly maintained. 'This could also be one of the factors resulting in accidents, among the other factors,' he said when contacted. He said drivers, particularly those involved in public transportation, should be trained in safe driving techniques, which would prove helpful in dangerous situations. 'This includes dynamic risk management, which involves drivers trained to adapt quickly to changing road conditions and traffic situations,' he said. 'The bus management or supervisor must brief the driver to be more careful when driving along certain risky stretches of road. 'This includes compulsory stops to ensure that the driver is well rested,' he added.
The Star
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Strict vetting can save lives
PETALING JAYA: Thorough background checks should be carried out on those seeking jobs as commercial vehicle drivers, say road safety experts. Malaysian Road and Transportation Safety Association president Md Hairolazaman Muhamed Nor called for enhanced screening and monitoring measures to be taken. 'Ongoing monitoring, including drug and alcohol testing as well as performance evaluations, is important,' he said. However, he said it could be discriminatory to impose a blanket ban on former convicts looking for employment in the sector. 'It may unfairly exclude responsible and reformed individuals from job opportunities. 'Instead, policies that disqualify persons with recent serious or violent offences can be implemented. 'Comprehensive assessments rather than blanket bans should be used to evaluate each driver's suitability,' he added. Md Hairolazaman proposed the mandatory use of dashcams and CCTVs inside heavy vehicles. 'Continuous recording of driver behaviour and vehicle conditions can also assist investigations and promote accountability,' he said, adding that it should be done alongside regulatory measures, driver training, infrastructure improvements and enforcement. He also proposed increased adoption of ISO 39001 due to the recent spate of road crashes involving heavy vehicles. ISO 39001 is an international standard for road traffic safety management systems, providing a framework for organisations to reduce and prevent road fatalities and injuries. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Dr Nurrul Hafeezah Sahak called for a zero-tolerance approach, such as immediate suspension, for drivers found taking banned substances. 'Screenings should be conducted at the pre-employment phase and also at periodic intervals,' said the Faculty of Science and Technology lecturer. She said public involvement is equally crucial in enhancing road safety, adding that unsafe lorry driving should be reported immediately. 'Transport companies must ensure timely and appropriate investigations of complaints addressed against them as well,' she said. Universiti Putra Malaysia's Prof Dr Kulanthayan KC Mani said road crashes are preventable and that the probability of technical issues in heavy goods vehicles can be reduced if they are well maintained. 'These vehicles are highly used, so maintenance requirements must be met. 'When heavy vehicles carry loads, the total weight also increases, which can make it harder to control. 'Driving fast makes the situation even more challenging,' said Kulanthayan, who heads the Putra Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Group. He said it is important to monitor drivers, adding that companies should take responsibility too. 'The installation of systems like dashcams can possibly reveal how an incident happened, enhancing crash investigations. 'With more vehicles having dashcams, it can also enhance driving etiquette, as the chances of being seen committing violations will be high,' he said, adding that the idea also applied to private vehicles. A lorry carrying gravel rammed a truck carrying nine Federal Reserve Unit personnel on Tuesday, resulting in their deaths. Preliminary investigations revealed that the lorry had a malfunction causing its steering system to fail. Perak police chief Datuk Comm Noor Hisam Nordin said the lorry driver had six prior criminal cases mostly related to narcotics and had multiple outstanding traffic summonses.
