30kph speed limit to be gazetted at school zones, says Transport Minister
SEREMBAN: A 30pkph speed limit will be gazetted at school zones nationwide and will be enforced soon, says Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
The Transport Minister said with an average 70 fatalities in school zones a year, there was a pressing need to reduce the speed limit in these areas.
He said the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion chaired by the deputy prime minister had agreed in principle to reduce the speed limit.
"The Road Safety Council will get this programme going at selected schools this year.
"We need to do this to ensure the safety of both the students as well as other road users," he said after chairing the 61st annual general meeting of the council here.
Loke said studies show that reducing the speed limit to 30kph can greatly reduce fatalities and serious injury to road users.
He said efforts should be made to put up signs, school crossings, speed breakers, road dividers and other safety equipment in school zones. Wardens will also be engaged.
Loke said the Public Works Department and local councils have been told the gazette the new speed limit.
"They have been notified. It is my hope that action is quickly taken to gazette the relevant laws," he said.
Loke said speed limits in school zones was a norm in many countries.
"This is actually the international standard. This was also one of the resolutions under the Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety which we took part in previously, " he said.
He said he hoped motorists would not object to this as it was for the safety of students.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
14 hours ago
- The Star
Selayang folk upset over rubble of illegal car wash on field
Lee (centre) speaking to Loke (right) while Chua looks on in Taman Daya. In the foreground are the concrete slabs left on the field. Residents of Taman Daya in Selayang, Selangor, are raising their concerns over rubble, including concrete with jagged edges, left on a public field following the demolition of an illegal car wash structure. They point out that the rubble could injure field users, or trap stagnant water and potentially become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Resident Loke Kim Soon said the car wash had been operating illegally for more than a decade on part of the field along Jalan Daya 16. 'I used to hang out at the park with friends but the illegal car wash took over our spot. 'We are glad the authorities have demolished it, but the rubble that remains is an eyesore,' he told StarMetro. Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) complaints and welfare bureau (central) head Lee Hoi Eng said he hoped Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) would help clear the area. 'We fear the site might attract people who dump rubbish illegally,' he said. Lee also said that the field had been untouched for years and called for some upgrades. 'We suggest a jogging track be built for the benefit of residents,' he added. Also present was Kepong PRM chairman Chua Yi Ken. When contacted by StarMetro, an MPS spokesperson said the unauthorised structure operating on Jalan Daya 16 was demolished on Feb 20. 'Enforcement action was taken in accordance with Section 46(1)(a) of Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974. 'After the demolition, the owner of the structure was instructed to clear the site but did not do so. 'As such, MPS will clean up the site shortly and the associated costs will be charged to the owner,' said the spokesperson. — By JAROD LIM
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Borneo Post
Road safety is everyone's responsibility, says Sibu Resident
Abang Mohamad Porkan puts on a helmet on one of the motorcyclists. At front left is Teo. SIBU (May 24): Ensuring road safety requires a united effort beyond the work of enforcement authorities, said Sibu Division Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman. Speaking at the Sibu Division Gawai Ops Programme at Jalan Lanang Barat Petronas station here yesterday, he stressed that every road user, from the common motorists to those from government agencies, contractors and the local councils, must all play their parts. 'Road safety is not just the duty of enforcement officers. It starts with every one of us.' Citing Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) statistics, Abang Mohamad Porkan said from January to April this year, 683 accident cases were reported in Sibu Division, which resulted in 13 fatalities. Highlighting the need for behavioural change, he urged drivers to stay focused on the road by avoiding mobile phone use, adhering to speed limits, and refraining from driving while drowsy or under the influence of alcohol. He also called upon contractors and the Public Works Department (JKR) to uphold quality and integrity in road construction projects. The Gawai Ops was among the programmes carried out by the Sibu Division Road Safety Council (MKJR) aimed at boosting public awareness of road safety throughout the festive season. Also present at the event were Councillor Paul Teo and Sibu District officer Wee Teck. Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman Gawai lead road safety Sibu Resident
The Star
23-05-2025
- The Star
13 deaths, nearly 700 accidents on Sibu roads from January to April
Abang Mohamad Porkan checking a motorcyclist's helmet at the launch of the Sibu Division Road Safety Campaign on May 23. SIBU: A total of 683 road accidents involving 13 deaths were reported in Sibu between January and April, says Division Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman. "This is an alarming figure, more than just data – it represents a lost family, a stalled future, and a grief that cannot be replaced," he said at the launch of the Sibu Division Road Safety Campaign in conjunction with the upcoming Gawai celebration on Friday (May 23). The campaign, which aims to raise public awareness on road safety, involves members of the community, law enforcement agencies, and transport authorities. Abang Mohamad Porkan, who also chairs the Sibu Municipal Council and the division's Road Safety Council (MKJR), stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility that requires behavioural change among all road users. 'Without a shift in attitude – such as avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, adhering to speed limits, and refraining from mobile phone use on the road – all our efforts will come to nothing," he added. Abang Mohamad Porkan also reaffirmed MKJR's commitment to improving road safety through continuous engagement and strategic planning. Regular meetings with agencies such as the district urban transportation and mobility action committee and the district public transport committee are being held to tackle issues surrounding public transportation and road safety more effectively, he said. As the festive season approaches, he reminded road users to stay vigilant and responsible behind the wheel to avoid further loss of life.
