Govt to make anti-lock brake system mandatory for select motorbikes

All new motorcycles with an engine capacity of 150cc and above must have an anti-lock braking system (ABS) starting Jan 1, 2025, to reduce traffic accidents, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

Zahid, who is also the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion chairperson, said ABS was able to reduce motorcyclist fatalities during accidents by 31 percent.

“I am confident that this initiative will reduce road traffic deaths in Malaysia and inspire other Asean countries to adopt similar measures, making motorcycles safer across the region,” he said.

Zahid said this when delivering his speech at the Conference on Asia Road Safety (CARS) today, which was also attended by Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.

He added that the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) has implemented the Malaysian Motorcycle Assessment Programme (MyMAP), the world’s first holistic rating system for motorcycles and that MyMAP has evaluated and rated 28 models from seven motorcycle manufacturers.

“This initiative drives the motorcycle industry towards a safety-oriented market benefiting road users,” he said.

Zahid also proposed that MyMAP's scope be extended beyond Malaysia to encompass the Asean or Asia region, enhancing motorcycle safety across the continent.

“Now you can know which motorcycle from which company is safer, and which is not,” he said.

Zahid also shared that the cabinet committee has proposed lowering the speed limit in school zones from 40 km/h to 30 km/h and that the government will work with local authorities and schools to implement effective speed management systems, such as transverse bars and speed bumps, in school zones to slow traffic.

“If this initiative successfully reduces road crashes in school zones, we may consider expanding the 30 km/h speed limit to other suitable areas within cities to create a safer environment for vulnerable road users,” he added.

He also urged agencies such as Miros and the Social Security Organisation to lead the establishment of comprehensive initiatives dedicated to enhancing road and commuting safety, especially for motorcyclists, commercial vehicles and the logistics sector.

“Through collaborative efforts, we can design and implement targeted interventions that reduce road crashes and elevate safety standards across the board, making our roads safer for everyone, especially those in high-risk groups such as motorcyclists,” he said.

Bold move

Meanwhile, when asked about whether the suggested speed limit had been gazetted, Loke said that the decision was being made by the cabinet committee and they would need to coordinate with several ministries, including the Works Ministry and Education Ministry.

“So, we need to take a bit of time for this process… but I would like to thank the deputy prime minister for having the courage to make such a decision, which might not be popular but is vital for the safety of our children in schools,” he added.

- Bernama

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