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New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Walking away from road rage is the best solution
ROAD rage, the dangerous cocktail of impatience and aggression on our roads, has become a disturbingly common scene from city streets to major highways. Beyond the immediate danger and emotional trauma, these incidents leave behind a heavy economic burden that ultimately affects us all. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), aggressive driving contributes to 56 per cent of fatal crashes in the United States. Closer to home, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research estimated that road accidents had cost the nation a staggering RM8.8 billion in 2023 alone. Aggressive driving behaviour such as tailgating, sudden braking, and dangerous overtaking often lead to collisions and damage that require costly repairs. A single road rage incident can set off a chain reaction, from smashed bumpers and cracked windscreens to hours stuck in gridlock while emergency teams clear the scene. A road rage encounter may not always end in a major collision, but the resources involved such as police intervention, legal processing, and public safety responses, all come with a price tag. Insurance premiums on the rise In Malaysia, insurance premiums and takaful (Islamic insurance) contributions are determined based on a driver's risk profile and claim history. When drivers are involved in aggressive or at-fault incidents, they risk losing their No-Claim Discount, which can reduce premiums by up to 55 per cent for careful drivers. Losing this discount means paying significantly higher premiums or contributions the following year, sometimes amounting to a 20 to 30 per cent increase, depending on the insurer or takaful operator and the severity of the claim. Whether through conventional insurance or takaful, the result is the same. All in all, responsible drivers end up indirectly sharing the financial burden caused by aggressive road behaviour. When someone is involved in a road rage incident, the impact rarely ends at the roadside. Victims and perpetrators alike may need time off work to recover physically or emotionally, attend police interviews, or navigate legal proceedings. The Malaysian Employers Federation estimates that absenteeism costs businesses over RM6 billion every year, with road accidents being a significant contributor. Imagine an executive stuck for an extra hour on the way to a critical meeting because two drivers decided to settle their score in the middle of the road. That lost hour translates into delayed decisions, missed opportunities, and disrupted operations, creating a ripple effect that stretches beyond one company. When multiplied across hundreds of similar incidents each year, the cumulative effect is a serious drag on national productivity and economic competitiveness. Breaking the cycle of road rage requires more than just enforcing laws; it demands a cultural shift toward empathy and responsibility. Stronger public awareness campaigns are essential to show that patience and courtesy are not only moral choices but also smart economic decisions that save money and lives. Employers can play a role by offering flexible working hours or remote work options to help reduce peak-hour congestion and lower commuter stress. On an individual level, taking a simple walk can be surprisingly powerful in preventing anger from spiralling into road rage. A 2018 study published in Health Promotion Perspectives found that just 10 minutes of brisk walking significantly reduced feelings of tension and anger, or in today's lingo, helped prevent us from "getting triggered". So, the next time you feel your temper rising behind the wheel, try taking a deep breath first, then consider stepping out for a quick walk. Even a short stroll around a parking lot or nearby sidewalk can help calm the mind and reset your emotions. As stated in a hadith by Prophet Muhammad: "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6114). Choosing to walk away from anger is more than a personal win; it is an investment for a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Malaysia. The writer is Interim Director at the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation in Islamic Economics (i-RISE), ISRA Institute, INCEIF University.
Focus Malaysia
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Focus Malaysia
Walking away from road rage is an investment
ON a drizzly evening in Kuala Lumpur, a dashcam video captures a car abruptly swerving into another lane without signalling, cutting off a motorcyclist who is lane-splitting through traffic and forcing him to brake sharply. The furious motorcyclist revs his engine and yells in anger, shaking his fist at the car driver. Moments later, both vehicles stop in the middle of the busy road. The motorcyclist jumps off his bike, helmet still on, while the car driver steps out with fists clenched as traffic piles up behind them and headlights flash. Another motorist nearby records the confrontation on a smartphone, capturing every second of the shouting, shoving, and angry gestures. By the next morning, the video had gone viral, shared thousands of times, sparked heated debates and flooded social media timelines. Sounds familiar? Road rage, the dangerous cocktail of impatience and aggression on our roads, has become a disturbingly common scene from city streets to major highways. Beyond the immediate danger and emotional trauma, these incidents leave behind a heavy economic burden that ultimately affects us all. A costly chain reaction According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), aggressive driving contributes to 56% of fatal crashes in the United States. Closer to home, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) estimated that road accidents cost the nation a staggering RM8.8 bil in 2023 alone. Aggressive driving behaviours such as tailgating, sudden braking, and dangerous overtaking often lead to collisions and damage that require costly repairs. A single road rage incident can set off a chain reaction, from smashed bumpers and cracked windscreens to hours stuck in gridlock while emergency teams clear the scene. A road rage encounter may not always end in a major collision, but the resources involved such as police intervention, legal processing, and public safety responses, all come with a price tag. Insurance premiums (or takaful contributions) on the rise In Malaysia, insurance premiums and takaful (Islamic insurance) contributions are determined based on a driver's risk profile and claim history. When drivers are involved in aggressive or at-fault incidents, they risk losing their No-Claim Discount (NCD), which can reduce premiums by up to 55% for careful drivers. Losing this discount means paying significantly higher premiums or contributions the following year, sometimes amounting to a 20 to 30% increase depending on the insurer or takaful operator and the severity of the claim. Whether through conventional insurance or takaful, the result is the same. All in all, responsible drivers end up indirectly sharing the financial burden caused by aggressive road behaviour. Impact on workplace productivity When someone is involved in a road rage incident, the impact rarely ends at the roadside. Victims and perpetrators alike may need time off work to recover physically or emotionally, attend police interviews, or navigate legal proceedings. The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) estimates that absenteeism costs businesses over RM6 bil every year, with road accidents being a significant contributor. Imagine an executive stuck for an extra hour on the way to a critical meeting because two drivers decided to settle their score in the middle of the road. That lost hour translates into delayed decisions, missed opportunities, and disrupted operations, creating a ripple effect that stretches far beyond one company. When multiplied across hundreds of similar incidents each year, the cumulative effect is a serious drag on national productivity and economic competitiveness. Time to break the cycle Breaking the cycle of road rage requires more than just enforcing laws. It demands a cultural shift toward empathy and responsibility. Stronger public awareness campaigns are essential to show that patience and courtesy are not only moral choices but also smart economic decisions that save money and lives. Employers can play a role by offering flexible working hours or remote work options to help reduce peak-hour congestion and lower commuter stress. On an individual level, taking a simple walk can be surprisingly powerful in preventing anger from spiralling into road rage. A 2018 study published in Health Promotion Perspectives found that just 10 minutes of brisk walking significantly reduced feelings of tension and anger, or in today's lingo, helped prevent us from 'getting triggered'. So, the next time you feel your temper rising behind the wheel, try taking a deep breath first, then consider stepping out for a quick walk. Even a short stroll around a parking lot or nearby sidewalk can help calm the mind and reset your emotions. Choosing to walk away from anger is more than a personal win. It is an investment in a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Malaysia. ‒ July 11, 2025 Dr Mohd Zaidi Md Zabri is Interim Director at the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation in Islamic Economics (i-RISE), ISRA Institute, INCEIF University. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Bernama
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
GOF seizes RM8.8m worth of illegal vapes in Kelantan
KOTA BHARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) Battalion 7 intercepted a large shipment of illegal electronic cigarette devices in Kampung Gelang Mas, Pasir Mas. Authorities seized 57,780 vape units suspected of violating Malaysian safety standards. The operation unfolded after GOF personnel noticed a suspiciously parked lorry along the roadside. Upon inspection, officers discovered boxes wrapped in yellow plastic containing vape devices lacking the mandatory MS SIRIM certification. GOF Southeast Brigade Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid confirmed the arrest of two local men, aged 22 and 40, believed to be couriers distributing the illegal products. The total seizure, including the lorry, is valued at RM8.8 million. The case has been transferred to the Pasir Mas Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) for further investigation. Authorities are probing the matter under Section 4(2) of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Electronic Devices) Order 2022. Nik Ros Azhan reiterated GOF's commitment to tightening border security to curb smuggling and the trade of hazardous goods. 'We remain vigilant against activities that endanger public health and safety,' he stated. – Bernama
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
GOF seizes RM8.8mil worth of illicit vape devices in Kelantan
PASIR MAS: The General Operations Force (GOF) seized more than RM8.8 million worth of electronic cigarette devices during a special operation under Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan yesterday. GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid said the seizure was carried out by personnel from the Seventh Battalion, who inspected a suspicious lorry parked by the roadside in Kampung Gelang Mas at around 2pm. "Upon checking the vehicle, the team discovered several boxes wrapped in yellow plastic in the lorry's rear compartment. "Inside were 57,780 units of vape devices in various flavours. "These items are suspected to have failed to meet Malaysian standards under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Electronic Devices) Order," he said today. He added that such products were required to carry a certificate and the MS SIRIM mark before they could be sold on the local market. A 22-year-old lorry driver and his 40-year-old assistant were also arrested during the operation. "They are believed to have been delivering the contraband items for local distribution," he said, adding that the total value of the seizure included the lorry used to transport the goods. The case has been handed over to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Pasir Mas for further action. It is being investigated under Section 4(2) of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Electronic Devices) Order 2022, under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011.
Daily Express
29-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Felda submits strategic plan, 2025-2030 roadmap to Prime Minister
Published on: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Apr 29, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: On March 26, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was reported to have given Felda a month to submit a new strategic plan and roadmap to ensure a better future for Felda settlers. PETALING JAYA: The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) has submitted its group strategic plan and 2025-2030 roadmap to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, aimed at strengthening its position as a catalyst of the national economy, especially in rural areas. Its strategic communications department said the plan had been drafted in detail through six rounds of engagement with stakeholders, with a focus on strategic initiatives in various fields, Bernama reported. 'The Felda Group management is committed to ensuring that this plan is implemented with full dedication to form an ecosystem beneficial to all stakeholders. 'This duty requires continued effort and full support from all parties to ensure the development and prosperity of Felda Group,' the authority said in a statement on Monday. The Felda Group management also expressed its commitment to implementing every strategy outlined to ensure the success of a competitive Felda. On March 26, Anwar was reported to have given Felda a month to submit a new strategic plan and roadmap to ensure a better future for Felda settlers. He said the government had been injecting nearly RM1 billion annually into Felda, which needed a 'major transformation'. Stressing that Felda's success was directly tied to Malaysia's economic prosperity, Anwar said this made it all the more crucial for the statutory body to receive 'immediate and strategic' intervention. According to the auditor-general's 2022 report, released in March last year, Felda recorded RM1 billion in losses in 2022, nearly double the RM545 million in losses recorded the year before. The auditor-general said Felda also owed RM8.66 billion to external institutions as of 2022, a slight decrease from the RM8.8 billion owed the year before. It advised Felda to chart a clear direction towards operating without further financial assistance from Putrajaya. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
