S'wak expands Motorcycle Licence Assistance Programme to Miri schools to tackle youth road safety crisis

Borneo Post

17-05-2025

Lee (seated, centre) highlights some points during the press conference. Joining him is JPJ Sarawak director Norizan Jili (seated, left).
MIRI (May 17): The Class B2 Motorcycle Licence Assistance Programme (BLM) is being expanded to schools across Miri in an effort to reduce the high number of road accidents involving young motorcyclists.
Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin announced the expansion during a recent press conference, stating that the initiative builds on the success of last year's Signature Programme held within the Senadin constituency.
'In 2024 alone, over 11,944 participants joined 14 BLM programmes held across various parliamentary constituencies in Sarawak. In Senadin specifically, 587 participants successfully obtained their licenses last year. This year, we are extending the programme to schools throughout Miri,' said the Senadin assemblyman.
The BLM programme aims to make motorcycle licensing more affordable and to promote safer riding habits among students.
According to Lee, many students already ride motorcycles to school but do so without a valid licence, which increases their risk of being involved in road accidents.
'This initiative provides them with a proper and legal pathway to become responsible road users,' he added.
A total of 1,000 students across Miri are expected to benefit from the programme this year. Eligible participants will only need to pay a minimum of RM250 to obtain their B2 motorcycle licence.
Lee stressed the urgency of the initiative in light of worrying statistics, noting that Sarawak has recorded more than 6,500 road accident cases so far this year.
'Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable, so it is crucial they are properly trained and licensed,' he emphasised.
Application forms for the BLM programme will be distributed through schools from May 22 to June 3. Each application requires school verification and parental consent.
In addition to the BLM programme, complementary initiatives such as the Transport Awareness, Behaviour, and Change (TABC) programme and traffic simulation games are also being introduced to raise road safety awareness among school children.
Lee added that the programme not only reduces the financial burden on families but also fosters a culture of road safety and legal compliance among the younger generation.
The implementation of the BLM programme is made possible through strategic collaboration between the Sarawak Road Transport Department (JPJ), the Sarawak Transport Ministry, Royal Malaysia Police, the Miri District Education Office, and local school principals.
'This programme reflects the Sarawak government's commitment to developing safer, more responsible road users from a young age,' Lee concluded. BLM Lee Kim Shin miri Motorcycle Licence Assistance Programme