Najib: Micromobility vehicles key to first and last mile connections

Former premier Najib Abdul Razak has expressed disagreement over a blanket ban issued on three types of micromobility vehicles - mopeds, personal mobility devices (PMD) and personal mobility aids (PMA) - on public roads.

Taking to Facebook, Najib said the use of the micromobility vehicles as first and last mile connections is crucial to the success of public transportation, including buses, LRT, monorail, KTM Komuter and MRT.

"Therefore, my view is that the government should facilitate and promote the use of micromobility vehicles, rather than banning it," he added.

A moped is a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric-powered vehicle with a maximum speed not exceeding 50kph.

PMD and PMA are human-powered vehicles or devices that use internal combustion engines and have a speed limit of 25kph such as electric scooters.

Contrary to a blanket ban, Najib said the government should regulate the use of micromobility vehicles based on their resemblance to the five main modes of urban transportation - walking, cycling, motorcycle, car and bus.

"Small and slow micromobility vehicles not much faster than a walking pace can be approved for use along footpaths.

"Those that resemble bicycles, meanwhile, can be approved for use on bicycle lanes.

"And if there are still concerns that owners will not be responsible, disturbing other road users or pedestrians, then impose a higher penalty on them," added Najib.

He stressed that if the government wishes to see the success of Malaysia's public transportation plans in reducing inner-city congestion, a decision must be made to also permit the use of micromobility vehicles.

Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong said last month the ban on the three categories of micromobility vehicles was implemented in accordance with the Road Traffic (Prohibition of Use of Certain Microbility Vehicles) Rules 2021 which came into force on Dec 17, 2021.

However, they are allowed in areas where there was no mixture of traffic flows involving various vehicles.

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