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The Star
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
‘Drivers' mental health must be addressed as well'
PETALING JAYA: While authorities readily crack down on vocational drivers as part of road safety measures, the mental health of these drivers remains a largely unattended area. Road Safety Council of Malaysia executive council member Datuk Suret Singh (pic) said while other aspects such as the driving record of vocational drivers are often scrutinised as part of road safety enhancement, the need for reforms to protect mental health appears to have been overlooked. He pointed out that among the most pressing reforms needed for commercial drivers is doing away with the current trip-based wage system. With a decent basic pay along with benefits such as PERKESO and EPF, drivers could then be offered a lower commission for the trips they make. Currently, it is quite common for commercial vehicle drivers to be hired on a contractual basis, with only a basic pay of between RM500 and RM700 per month that only incentivises them to 'chase trips'. Suret emphasised that the number of trips and working hours should be regulated to ensure drivers receive adequate rest. 'Trip-based wages lead to drivers chasing after their income to meet their targets, and they end up putting in long hours and violating the maximum eight-hour driving allowed per day. 'Some drivers are known to clock 16 hours, and over time, this may cause severe fatigue and affect their health,' Suret said, adding that employers should treat their drivers as people and not machines. 'The human mind and body can only withstand so much. When extreme fatigue sets in, it can be dangerous to the driver and other road users. 'A brief loss of focus or microsleep can end in a deadly tragedy. 'Hence, employers should treat their driver with compassion and limit their working hours before it takes a toll on their health,' the former Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research chairman told The Star. Suret said drivers should also be given a promotion and recognition based on their performance, and expressed hope that in the near future, a formal system will be introduced to grade vocational drivers according to their experience and driving records. 'Such a system would pave a career path and give drivers a sense of being recognised as professionals. It will also motivate them to uphold high standards of conduct behind the wheel.' Echoing similar sentiments is Malaysian Road and Transpor-tation Safety Association adviser and former president Nik Mohd Salim Nik Mohd Salleh, who agreed that vocational drivers should receive a decent minimum wage. 'Without minimum wage, vocational drivers are left with no other choice but squeeze as many trips as possible into a day, without realising risks such as fatigue and microsleep,' he said.
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Miros: 12 motorcyclists die on roads daily
KUALA LUMPUR: A motorcyclist dies every two hours in Malaysia, a rate that road safety experts say should no longer be treated as normal. Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) Human Factors and Road User Behavioural Centre director Ir Ts Azhar Hamzah said motorcyclists continue to dominate road fatality statistics, accounting for nearly 70 per cent of all deaths. "Just imagine 12 people die every day. Every two hours, one person dies riding a motorcycle," said Azhar during the Allianz Malaysia Media Forum held at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral on Tuesday. He said many of these deaths were preventable if the country took proactive steps in education, training and behaviour change. "The best safety for motorcyclists is prevention. You cannot rely only on post-incident measures. The best is prevention," he said. Azhar said motorcycles were originally intended for short-distance travel but have evolved into a primary means of transport across long distances in Malaysia, despite their limitations. "A motorcycle is unstable. It only becomes stable if it's moving at least 8km per hour. The engine and wheels help balance the forces to keep it upright. The faster it moves, the more stable it becomes, but that doesn't mean it should be ridden fast," he said. He described the physical vulnerability of riders as a major concern. "Other than the handlebars, it's just your body. When you ride, your legs are the most exposed. Your head is the highest point. That's why it needs protection," he said. Azhar said Malaysia's road culture has normalised risky behaviours such as weaving through traffic and speeding, adding that such actions remain a legal grey area under current road regulations. "In Malaysia, this has become the culture. Riders move through gaps in roads to maintain stability. Whether it's right or wrong is unclear, as even the Road Transport Act is a bit vague," he said. He said changing rider behaviour and enforcing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were urgent priorities. "If we can't eliminate motorcycles, then we must control them through better roads, more stable motorcycle designs, and stronger rules," he said. He warned that injury ratios in Malaysia were far higher than in developed countries, where the ratio might be one death to 30 serious injuries. "In our country, that number could be one to 50. From that 50, many suffer permanent disabilities and require lifelong assistance. Not just them, but their families too," he said. Azhar also singled out gig economy riders as being particularly vulnerable. "P-hailing riders spend five times longer on the road compared with regular motorcycle users. So, the risk is higher," he said. He added that slowing down was one of the fastest ways to reduce motorcycle fatalities. "If we reduce speed, we get an immediate reward. If you ride slower, you lower your risk right away," he said. Azhar urged government agencies, private companies and the public to act without delay. "If you ride a motorcycle, act now. Don't wait," he said.
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Malaysia needs more funds for road maintenance, says deputy minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The Works Ministry has requested additional funding to address urgent road maintenance needs across Malaysia. Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan highlighted that weather, overloaded vehicles, and aging infrastructure are major contributors to road damage. He stated, 'To properly maintain roads this year, we need RM4 billion. However, we only received RM2.2 billion – a shortfall of RM1.8 billion or 45 per cent.' Despite the budget constraints, the ministry remains committed to securing more funds for next year. According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), poor road conditions account for 13% of accidents. Issues like missing road markings, potholes, and inadequate lighting pose significant risks. Ahmad added, 'The annual death toll from road accidents remains high at around 6,000.' Human error remains the leading cause of accidents at 80%, while vehicle-related factors contribute 7%. To improve reporting, the MyJalan app allows the public to submit complaints under a 'no wrong door' policy. Reports are forwarded to relevant agencies, including those overseeing rural and municipal roads. - Bernama
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Walking away from road rage is the best solution
ROAD rage, the dangerous cocktail of impatience and aggression on our roads, has become a disturbingly common scene from city streets to major highways. Beyond the immediate danger and emotional trauma, these incidents leave behind a heavy economic burden that ultimately affects us all. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), aggressive driving contributes to 56 per cent of fatal crashes in the United States. Closer to home, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research estimated that road accidents had cost the nation a staggering RM8.8 billion in 2023 alone. Aggressive driving behaviour such as tailgating, sudden braking, and dangerous overtaking often lead to collisions and damage that require costly repairs. A single road rage incident can set off a chain reaction, from smashed bumpers and cracked windscreens to hours stuck in gridlock while emergency teams clear the scene. A road rage encounter may not always end in a major collision, but the resources involved such as police intervention, legal processing, and public safety responses, all come with a price tag. Insurance premiums on the rise In Malaysia, insurance premiums and takaful (Islamic insurance) contributions are determined based on a driver's risk profile and claim history. When drivers are involved in aggressive or at-fault incidents, they risk losing their No-Claim Discount, which can reduce premiums by up to 55 per cent for careful drivers. Losing this discount means paying significantly higher premiums or contributions the following year, sometimes amounting to a 20 to 30 per cent increase, depending on the insurer or takaful operator and the severity of the claim. Whether through conventional insurance or takaful, the result is the same. All in all, responsible drivers end up indirectly sharing the financial burden caused by aggressive road behaviour. When someone is involved in a road rage incident, the impact rarely ends at the roadside. Victims and perpetrators alike may need time off work to recover physically or emotionally, attend police interviews, or navigate legal proceedings. The Malaysian Employers Federation estimates that absenteeism costs businesses over RM6 billion every year, with road accidents being a significant contributor. Imagine an executive stuck for an extra hour on the way to a critical meeting because two drivers decided to settle their score in the middle of the road. That lost hour translates into delayed decisions, missed opportunities, and disrupted operations, creating a ripple effect that stretches beyond one company. When multiplied across hundreds of similar incidents each year, the cumulative effect is a serious drag on national productivity and economic competitiveness. Breaking the cycle of road rage requires more than just enforcing laws; it demands a cultural shift toward empathy and responsibility. Stronger public awareness campaigns are essential to show that patience and courtesy are not only moral choices but also smart economic decisions that save money and lives. Employers can play a role by offering flexible working hours or remote work options to help reduce peak-hour congestion and lower commuter stress. On an individual level, taking a simple walk can be surprisingly powerful in preventing anger from spiralling into road rage. A 2018 study published in Health Promotion Perspectives found that just 10 minutes of brisk walking significantly reduced feelings of tension and anger, or in today's lingo, helped prevent us from "getting triggered". So, the next time you feel your temper rising behind the wheel, try taking a deep breath first, then consider stepping out for a quick walk. Even a short stroll around a parking lot or nearby sidewalk can help calm the mind and reset your emotions. As stated in a hadith by Prophet Muhammad: "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6114). Choosing to walk away from anger is more than a personal win; it is an investment for a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Malaysia. The writer is Interim Director at the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation in Islamic Economics (i-RISE), ISRA Institute, INCEIF University.
Focus Malaysia
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Focus Malaysia
Walking away from road rage is an investment
ON a drizzly evening in Kuala Lumpur, a dashcam video captures a car abruptly swerving into another lane without signalling, cutting off a motorcyclist who is lane-splitting through traffic and forcing him to brake sharply. The furious motorcyclist revs his engine and yells in anger, shaking his fist at the car driver. Moments later, both vehicles stop in the middle of the busy road. The motorcyclist jumps off his bike, helmet still on, while the car driver steps out with fists clenched as traffic piles up behind them and headlights flash. Another motorist nearby records the confrontation on a smartphone, capturing every second of the shouting, shoving, and angry gestures. By the next morning, the video had gone viral, shared thousands of times, sparked heated debates and flooded social media timelines. Sounds familiar? Road rage, the dangerous cocktail of impatience and aggression on our roads, has become a disturbingly common scene from city streets to major highways. Beyond the immediate danger and emotional trauma, these incidents leave behind a heavy economic burden that ultimately affects us all. A costly chain reaction According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), aggressive driving contributes to 56% of fatal crashes in the United States. Closer to home, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) estimated that road accidents cost the nation a staggering RM8.8 bil in 2023 alone. Aggressive driving behaviours such as tailgating, sudden braking, and dangerous overtaking often lead to collisions and damage that require costly repairs. A single road rage incident can set off a chain reaction, from smashed bumpers and cracked windscreens to hours stuck in gridlock while emergency teams clear the scene. A road rage encounter may not always end in a major collision, but the resources involved such as police intervention, legal processing, and public safety responses, all come with a price tag. Insurance premiums (or takaful contributions) on the rise In Malaysia, insurance premiums and takaful (Islamic insurance) contributions are determined based on a driver's risk profile and claim history. When drivers are involved in aggressive or at-fault incidents, they risk losing their No-Claim Discount (NCD), which can reduce premiums by up to 55% for careful drivers. Losing this discount means paying significantly higher premiums or contributions the following year, sometimes amounting to a 20 to 30% increase depending on the insurer or takaful operator and the severity of the claim. Whether through conventional insurance or takaful, the result is the same. All in all, responsible drivers end up indirectly sharing the financial burden caused by aggressive road behaviour. Impact on workplace productivity When someone is involved in a road rage incident, the impact rarely ends at the roadside. Victims and perpetrators alike may need time off work to recover physically or emotionally, attend police interviews, or navigate legal proceedings. The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) estimates that absenteeism costs businesses over RM6 bil every year, with road accidents being a significant contributor. Imagine an executive stuck for an extra hour on the way to a critical meeting because two drivers decided to settle their score in the middle of the road. That lost hour translates into delayed decisions, missed opportunities, and disrupted operations, creating a ripple effect that stretches far beyond one company. When multiplied across hundreds of similar incidents each year, the cumulative effect is a serious drag on national productivity and economic competitiveness. Time to break the cycle Breaking the cycle of road rage requires more than just enforcing laws. It demands a cultural shift toward empathy and responsibility. Stronger public awareness campaigns are essential to show that patience and courtesy are not only moral choices but also smart economic decisions that save money and lives. Employers can play a role by offering flexible working hours or remote work options to help reduce peak-hour congestion and lower commuter stress. On an individual level, taking a simple walk can be surprisingly powerful in preventing anger from spiralling into road rage. A 2018 study published in Health Promotion Perspectives found that just 10 minutes of brisk walking significantly reduced feelings of tension and anger, or in today's lingo, helped prevent us from 'getting triggered'. So, the next time you feel your temper rising behind the wheel, try taking a deep breath first, then consider stepping out for a quick walk. Even a short stroll around a parking lot or nearby sidewalk can help calm the mind and reset your emotions. Choosing to walk away from anger is more than a personal win. It is an investment in a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Malaysia. ‒ July 11, 2025 Dr Mohd Zaidi Md Zabri is Interim Director at the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation in Islamic Economics (i-RISE), ISRA Institute, INCEIF University. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Bernama
