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New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Expert: Strict rules, bicycle lanes needed to ensure safety
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should consider enforcing stricter regulations and investing in dedicated cycling lanes to avoid endangering cyclists and other motorists, says a transport safety expert. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Road Safety Research Centre head Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua said the absence of separate infrastructure for cyclists not only endangers them, but also compromises the safety of other road users, especially on high-speed highways. "In Singapore and many European countries, cyclists are prohibited from using expressways. "Governments there have invested in dedicated cycling lanes that offer a safe alternative without compromising the long-distance experience often sought by recreational cyclists. "Malaysia should follow this approach by creating safe, parallel lanes for cyclists that do not interfere with main road traffic," he said today. He was commenting on the need for dedicated bicycle lanes in the country. This followed a recent viral video showing a group of cyclists confronting a bus driver after alleging that the latter tried to run over them at the road side. The incident reportedly occurred at Km23 of Jalan Kuala Selangor–Kuala Lumpur, heading towards Sungai Buloh, after the Batu Arang traffic light junction in Kuala Selangor. Police later sought the cyclists to investigate whether they were obstructing traffic. Law said the government should also consider a ban on cyclists from using highways and high-speed roads unless they were participating in officially sanctioned events. "Highways are specifically designed for high-speed motor traffic and do not take into account the vulnerability of cyclists. "Large-scale cycling events should only be held with proper supervision, planned safety measures and preferably in consultation with traffic enforcement agencies. "This is standard practice in other countries, where large cycling events are strictly controlled, and unsupervised access to expressways is never permitted," he said. He added that while cyclists had the right as other road users, their presence on highways designed for speeds over 110kph could pose serious safety risks. "As much as cyclists deserve to be acknowledged as road users, their safety — and the safety of others — requires a more structured and controlled approach to where and how they ride. "High-speed highways are neither suitable nor safe for uncontrolled cycling activities. "A combination of strict regulation, enforcement, public education, and infrastructure investment is needed to allow cycling to flourish as a healthy and sustainable mode of transport without compromising road safety," he said.
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Impose strict rules and build bicycle lanes to ensure safety, says expert
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should consider enforcing stricter regulations and investing in dedicated cycling lanes on highways to avoid endangering cyclists and other motorists, in line with international best practices, says a transport safety expert. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Road Safety Research Centre head Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua said the absence of separate infrastructure for cyclists not only endangers them, but also compromises the safety of other road users, especially on high-speed highways. "In Singapore and many European countries, cyclists are prohibited from using expressways. "Governments there have invested in dedicated cycling lanes that offer a safe alternative without compromising the long-distance experience often sought by recreational cyclists. "Malaysia should follow this approach by creating safe, parallel lanes for cyclists that do not interfere with main road traffic," he said today (July 13). He was commenting on the need for dedicated bicycle lanes in the country. This followed a recent viral video showing a group of cyclists confronting a bus driver after alleging that the latter tried to run over them at the road side. The incident reportedly occurred at Km23 of Jalan Kuala Selangor–Kuala Lumpur, heading towards Sungai Buloh, after the Batu Arang traffic light junction in Kuala Selangor. Police later sought the cyclists to investigate whether they were obstructing traffic. Law said the government should also consider a ban on cyclists from using highways and high-speed roads unless they were participating in officially sanctioned events. "Highways are specifically designed for high-speed motor traffic and do not take into account the vulnerability of cyclists. "Large-scale cycling events should only be held with proper supervision, planned safety measures and preferably in consultation with traffic enforcement agencies. "This is standard practice in other countries, where large cycling events are strictly controlled, and unsupervised access to expressways is never permitted," he said. He added that while cyclists had the right as legitimate road users, their presence on highways designed for speeds over 110kph could pose serious safety risks, not only to themselves but also to others. "As much as cyclists deserve to be acknowledged as road users, their safety — and the safety of others — requires a more structured and controlled approach to where and how they ride. "High-speed highways are neither suitable nor safe for uncontrolled cycling activities. "A combination of strict regulation, enforcement, public education, and infrastructure investment is needed to allow cycling to flourish as a healthy and sustainable mode of transport without compromising road safety," he said.
The Star
22-06-2025
- The Star
Charge parents to curb underage driving, say experts
PETALING JAYA: Stiffer fines and pressing negligence charges on parents could help curb instances of underage driving, say experts. Schools and local communities also have a hand in reducing the risk of teens taking to the wheel, they added. Road safety expert Law Teik Hua said relevant laws could be amended to ensure guardians are held accountable. 'This includes imposing heavier fines, community service or possibly facing charges of negligence,' said Law, who heads Universiti Putra Malaysia's Road Safety Research Centre. He said underage driving is a severe and developing problem in Malaysia. 'They don't have the physical coordination, emotional maturity or even legal training to drive safely. 'This could lead to more instances of speeding, making bad decisions and being involved in deadly accidents,' he said. Weighing in, lawyer Salim Bashir said parents must take responsibility and cannot plead ignorance when their children break the law. He said Section 39(5) of the Road Transport Act 1987 has a provision that parents can be held accountable for allowing children under 16 to operate motor vehicles. Under this section, no one under the age of 16 may drive any motor vehicle, and those under 17 are prohibited from driving any vehicle other than a motorcycle or invalid carriage. 'CLICK TO ENLARGE' Additionally, individuals under 21 are not allowed to drive heavy vehicles or public service vehicles. Anyone who drives or allows an underage person to drive, commits an offence and, upon conviction, may be fined up to RM2,000, jailed for up to six months, or both. The former Bar Council chairman also said Section 31 of the Child Act spells out that guardians can be held responsible for negligence. Under this act, any guardian who abuses, neglects, abandons or exposes a child to risk of physical or emotional harm commits an offence and, upon conviction, may face a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both. 'Section 28 of the Child Act also imputes liability for negligence in supervising and protecting the children and the liabilities could be stretched to include when the damages or injuries are caused to others due to the delinquency committed and contributed by their children,' he said. Apart from penal punishments, he said parents can also face civil actions for the wrongful act or damages caused by their underage children. Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon said schools could identify potential underage drivers among their students. 'We cannot just say that since the incident happened outside the school compound, no action can be taken,' he said, urging schools to educate children on safety. 'Local communities play a role too. If you notice someone underage driving a vehicle, voice it out, either to them or the person's family. 'Its also one way of showing care and concern, so that person does not end up hurting themselves or even worse, your loved ones,' he added.
Sinar Daily
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- Sinar Daily
Lack of tyre safety awareness among motorcyclists increases risk on roads
A common myth is that if the tyre still looks thick, there's no need to change it, without checking the actual age or rubber condition. 15 Jun 2025 08:01am The typical lifespan of a motorcycle tyre is between three to five years from the date of manufacture. - Bernama file photo KUALA LUMPUR - The complacent attitude of motorcyclists towards tyre safety, whether in terms of tread condition, air pressure, or wear level, could significantly increase the risk of road accidents. Universiti Putra Malaysia's Head of Road Safety Research Centre, Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua said public awareness on tyre safety remains low, with many unaware of how to assess tyre conditions, such as reading the tread wear indicator (TWI) or checking expiry dates. The typical lifespan of a motorcycle tyre is between three to five years from the date of manufacture. - Bernama file photo "Many only change their tyres when they are completely worn out or when there is a puncture. A common myth is that if the tyre still looks thick, there's no need to change it, without checking the actual age or rubber condition. "There are also those who believe second-hand tyres or bald tyres provide better speed, which is a very dangerous misconception,' he told Bernama. Law said the typical lifespan of a motorcycle tyre is between three to five years from the date of manufacture. However, for high-usage scenarios such as food delivery riders, tyres may need to be replaced every 1.5 to 2 years. "Tyres that are safe for daily use should have treads with good grip, especially in wet conditions, compatible with the road surface, have durable construction, and possess the appropriate speed and load index for the motorcycle used,' he said. Law said a tread depth of less than 1.6 millimetres indicates that the tyre needs to be replaced, while a tread level that is flush with the TWI mark signifies the tyre is already worn out. "Small cracks, bulges, or hardening of the tyre are signs of ageing or damage. Air pressure should also be checked weekly, based on the manufacturer's specifications,' he said. He also suggested that the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) take a more proactive approach to tyre safety education campaigns, including periodic inspections and mandating the use of tyres that comply with safety standards. Meanwhile, civil servant Mohd Fairuz Shah Rezza Mustafha, 39, believes motorcyclists should take the initiative to understand tyre safety features rather than relying solely on mechanics. "As a rider, we are closest to our ride. Therefore, tyre safety monitoring should start with us. I prefer to inspect my tyres myself, as it gives me more confidence when riding,' he said. Mohd Fairuz, who rides a Honda RS150R as his primary vehicle for both commuting and convoy activities said he doesn't mind spending more for high-quality tyres that he feels confident using every day. "I believe branded tyres offer a high level of safety assurance as a result of extensive research and development, as well as rigorous testing to ensure every detail of the design is truly safe,' he added. - BERNAMA
The Star
11-06-2025
- The Star
Registry can take habitual offenders off the road, say experts
PETALING JAYA: Driving licences of habitual traffic offenders must be suspended automatically to prevent them putting the lives of others at risk, say experts. Drivers of commercial vehicles with multiple unpaid summonses or those involved in fatal accidents must also have their driving licences withdrawn immediately, they said. In fact, there should be a national registry of reckless drivers, said Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua, who is head of Universiti Putra Malaysia's Road Safety Research Centre. The Road Transport Department (JPJ), he said, needs to be empowered to suspend driving licences of offenders without the need of a court order. Stricter enforcement with the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cameras and real-time databases should also be in place to identify repeat offenders and immobilise their vehicles until they settle the fines. 'There should also be a registry that blacklists or bans repeat offenders from renewing licences or owning vehicles. 'To further boost road safety, telemetries must be mandated for all heavy vehicles. Global positioning systems and AI can monitor speed, fatigue, and maintenance in real-time. This can save lives,' Law told The Star. Road Safety Council of Malaysia executive council member Datuk Suret Singh said the suspension of driving licences under the demerit points for traffic offences system (Kejara) has failed. 'How could a driver with 18 summonses, with most of it for speeding, be allowed on the road? 'He should have faced severe action. This goes to show that the Kejara system has failed us,' he said. The driver in the Gerik bus crash in which 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students were killed has 18 outstanding summonses, 13 of them for speeding. Suret said the law only allows the suspension of driving licences through Kejara or a court order. However, he said drivers with three or more summonses for serious offences such as speeding and beating traffic lights should face instant suspension of their driving licences. 'There is a critical need for the weaknesses of Kejara to be fixed. 'Let us learn to be proactive and not reactive only after more than a dozen people died in an accident,' he said. He said the compulsory use of seatbelts in buses could also minimise casualties. 'The Gerik tragedy may not have seen such grave consequences if seatbelts were used. Speed limiters are another feature that may address speeding by commercial vehicles. 'However, these devices are often tampered with by operators. There should be a feature that alerts the authorities when this happens,' Suret said. Crime Consciousness and Public Safety Society chairman Datuk Mohamad Anil Shah Abdullah agreed that there are weaknesses in the Kejara system as demerit points take effect only when a summons is paid and not when it is issued. 'If the offender does not pay up, they are not subject to demerit points. 'We need to re-examine the Kejara mechanism to see that it effectively addresses reckless driving,' said the former police senior assistant commissioner. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Academic Association Congress urged the government to draw up a comprehensive national action plan to implement speed monitoring systems and driver alert mechanisms for all public transport vehicles.
