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Malaysian Reserve
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Malaysian Reserve
Mandatory speed limiters for heavy vehicles can reduce accident risks
THE mandatory installation of speed limiters on heavy vehicles can help reduce accident risks by controlling vehicle speeds, thereby improving safety for passengers and other road users, according to road safety experts. Malaysian Road Safety and Transport Association president, Md Hairolazaman Muhamed Nor, said these devices could help lower fatality and injury rates by 10 to 30 per cent, especially when supported by strict enforcement and a strong safety culture. 'Speed limiters can reduce the average speed of heavy vehicles by five to 10 kilometres per hour. This alone could lead to a reduction in serious injuries and fatalities of up to 30 per cent. When combined with systems such as High-Speed Weigh-in-Motion (HS-WIM), point-to-point cameras, and regular audits, the overall impact could be significantly increased,' he told Bernama. He said 287 fatalities involving heavy vehicles were recorded in the first quarter of 2024, with speeding, driver fatigue, overloading, and poor maintenance identified as major contributing factors. Hairolazaman added that countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand have seen positive outcomes from implementing speed limiters, despite challenges related to enforcement and compliance. 'China, for instance, has demonstrated high effectiveness through integrated monitoring technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital mapping, and real-time tracking systems,' he said. However, he cautioned that the success of such policies in Malaysia would depend on regular audits to prevent tampering and ensure compliance. He also recommended integrating the system with GPS and offering incentives to companies that comply with regulations. 'Without consistent inspections, this policy risks failure due to potential technical non-compliance and device manipulation,' he said. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua, Road Safety Research Centre head at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), agreed that mandatory speed limiters could improve road safety but stressed the need for continuous monitoring. 'Controlled speed gives drivers more time to respond in emergencies. However, there's a risk that some may bypass or disable the system,' he said. Law added that regular audits should also include inspections of key components such as brakes and tyres to ensure that heavy vehicles remain in safe operating condition. 'In Europe, Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems have been made mandatory, while in the United States, the state of Virginia plans to implement similar regulations by 2026 for high-risk drivers. 'These examples show that with clear policies, firm enforcement, and consistent technological monitoring, speed limiters can serve as an effective tool in reducing road accidents,' he said. Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the government is drafting a new policy that includes making speed limiters mandatory for heavy vehicles, in line with efforts to enhance road safety in the country. Last Monday, 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) were killed after the chartered bus they were travelling in from Jertih to Tanjung Malim, Perak, overturned following a collision with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) on the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Perak. The accident also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver and attendant, as well as the driver and three passengers of a Perodua Alza. — BERNAMA
The Star
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Mandatory speed limiters for heavy vehicles can reduce accident risks, say experts
KUALA LUMPUR: The mandatory installation of speed limiters on heavy vehicles can help reduce accident risks by controlling vehicle speeds, thereby improving safety for passengers and other road users, according to road safety experts. Malaysian Road Safety and Transport Association president, Md Hairolazaman Muhamed Nor, said these devices could help lower fatality and injury rates by 10% to 30%, especially when supported by strict enforcement and a strong safety culture. "Speed limiters can reduce the average speed of heavy vehicles by five to 10 kilometres per hour. "This alone could lead to a reduction in serious injuries and fatalities of up to 30%. When combined with systems such as High-Speed Weigh-in-Motion (HS-WIM), point-to-point cameras, and regular audits, the overall impact could be significantly increased," he told Bernama. He said 287 fatalities involving heavy vehicles were recorded in the first quarter of 2024, with speeding, driver fatigue, overloading, and poor maintenance identified as major contributing factors. Hairolazaman added that countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand have seen positive outcomes from implementing speed limiters, despite challenges related to enforcement and compliance. "China, for instance, has demonstrated high effectiveness through integrated monitoring technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital mapping, and real-time tracking systems," he said. However, he cautioned that the success of such policies in Malaysia would depend on regular audits to prevent tampering and ensure compliance. He also recommended integrating the system with GPS and offering incentives to companies that comply with regulations. "Without consistent inspections, this policy risks failure due to potential technical non-compliance and device manipulation," he said. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua, Road Safety Research Centre head at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), agreed that mandatory speed limiters could improve road safety but stressed the need for continuous monitoring. "Controlled speed gives drivers more time to respond in emergencies. However, there's a risk that some may bypass or disable the system," he said. Law added that regular audits should also include inspections of key components such as brakes and tyres to ensure that heavy vehicles remain in safe operating condition. "In Europe, Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems have been made mandatory, while in the United States, the state of Virginia plans to implement similar regulations by 2026 for high-risk drivers. "These examples show that with clear policies, firm enforcement, and consistent technological monitoring, speed limiters can serve as an effective tool in reducing road accidents," he said. Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the government is drafting a new policy that includes making speed limiters mandatory for heavy vehicles, in line with efforts to enhance road safety in the country. Last Monday (June 9), 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) were killed after the chartered bus they were travelling in from Jertih to Tanjung Malim, Perak, overturned following a collision with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) on the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Perak. The accident also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver and attendant, as well as the driver and three passengers of a Perodua Alza. - Bernama
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Mandatory speed limiters for heavy vehicles can reduce accident risks
KUALA LUMPUR: The mandatory installation of speed limiters on heavy vehicles can help reduce accident risks by controlling vehicle speeds, thereby improving safety for passengers and other road users, according to road safety experts. Malaysian Road Safety and Transport Association president, Md Hairolazaman Muhamed Nor, said these devices could help lower fatality and injury rates by 10 to 30 per cent, especially when supported by strict enforcement and a strong safety culture. 'Speed limiters can reduce the average speed of heavy vehicles by five to 10 kilometres per hour. This alone could lead to a reduction in serious injuries and fatalities of up to 30 per cent. When combined with systems such as High-Speed Weigh-in-Motion (HS-WIM), point-to-point cameras, and regular audits, the overall impact could be significantly increased,' he told Bernama. He said 287 fatalities involving heavy vehicles were recorded in the first quarter of 2024, with speeding, driver fatigue, overloading, and poor maintenance identified as major contributing factors. Hairolazaman added that countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand have seen positive outcomes from implementing speed limiters, despite challenges related to enforcement and compliance. 'China, for instance, has demonstrated high effectiveness through integrated monitoring technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital mapping, and real-time tracking systems,' he said. However, he cautioned that the success of such policies in Malaysia would depend on regular audits to prevent tampering and ensure compliance. He also recommended integrating the system with GPS and offering incentives to companies that comply with regulations. 'Without consistent inspections, this policy risks failure due to potential technical non-compliance and device manipulation,' he said. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua, Road Safety Research Centre head at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), agreed that mandatory speed limiters could improve road safety but stressed the need for continuous monitoring. 'Controlled speed gives drivers more time to respond in emergencies. However, there's a risk that some may bypass or disable the system,' he said. Law added that regular audits should also include inspections of key components such as brakes and tyres to ensure that heavy vehicles remain in safe operating condition. 'In Europe, Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems have been made mandatory, while in the United States, the state of Virginia plans to implement similar regulations by 2026 for high-risk drivers. 'These examples show that with clear policies, firm enforcement, and consistent technological monitoring, speed limiters can serve as an effective tool in reducing road accidents,' he said. Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the government is drafting a new policy that includes making speed limiters mandatory for heavy vehicles, in line with efforts to enhance road safety in the country. Last Monday, 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) were killed after the chartered bus they were travelling in from Jertih to Tanjung Malim, Perak, overturned following a collision with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) on the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Perak. The accident also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver and attendant, as well as the driver and three passengers of a Perodua Alza.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Experts: Speed limiters cut heavy vehicle crash risk
KUALA LUMPUR: The mandatory installation of speed limiters on heavy vehicles can help reduce accident risks by controlling vehicle speeds, thereby improving safety for passengers and other road users, according to road safety experts. Malaysian Road Safety and Transport Association president, Md Hairolazaman Muhamed Nor, said these devices could help lower fatality and injury rates by 10 to 30 per cent, especially when supported by strict enforcement and a strong safety culture. 'Speed limiters can reduce the average speed of heavy vehicles by five to 10 kilometres per hour. This alone could lead to a reduction in serious injuries and fatalities of up to 30 per cent. When combined with systems such as High-Speed Weigh-in-Motion (HS-WIM), point-to-point cameras, and regular audits, the overall impact could be significantly increased,' he told Bernama. He said 287 fatalities involving heavy vehicles were recorded in the first quarter of 2024, with speeding, driver fatigue, overloading, and poor maintenance identified as major contributing factors. Hairolazaman added that countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand have seen positive outcomes from implementing speed limiters, despite challenges related to enforcement and compliance. 'China, for instance, has demonstrated high effectiveness through integrated monitoring technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital mapping, and real-time tracking systems,' he said. However, he cautioned that the success of such policies in Malaysia would depend on regular audits to prevent tampering and ensure compliance. He also recommended integrating the system with GPS and offering incentives to companies that comply with regulations. 'Without consistent inspections, this policy risks failure due to potential technical non-compliance and device manipulation,' he said. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua, Road Safety Research Centre head at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), agreed that mandatory speed limiters could improve road safety but stressed the need for continuous monitoring. 'Controlled speed gives drivers more time to respond in emergencies. However, there's a risk that some may bypass or disable the system,' he said. Law added that regular audits should also include inspections of key components such as brakes and tyres to ensure that heavy vehicles remain in safe operating condition. 'In Europe, Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems have been made mandatory, while in the United States, the state of Virginia plans to implement similar regulations by 2026 for high-risk drivers. 'These examples show that with clear policies, firm enforcement, and consistent technological monitoring, speed limiters can serve as an effective tool in reducing road accidents,' he said. Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the government is drafting a new policy that includes making speed limiters mandatory for heavy vehicles, in line with efforts to enhance road safety in the country. Last Monday, 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) were killed after the chartered bus they were travelling in from Jertih to Tanjung Malim, Perak, overturned following a collision with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) on the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Perak. The accident also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver and attendant, as well as the driver and three passengers of a Perodua Alza.
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Experts urge stricter seat belt enforcement after fatal bus accident
KUALA LUMPUR: The tragedy that claimed the lives of 15 students at Km53 of the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik, early Monday morning, highlights lapses in law enforcement and the careless attitude of some public transport operators who appear to take passenger safety for granted. Although it was made mandatory in 2020 for new express buses and sightseeing buses to install seat belts for all passengers, after almost five years, the regulation appears to be largely ineffective, with little to no real impact. Although a thorough investigation into the tragic incident is underway by a newly established special task force, experts also view the failure to enforce existing laws as a serious concern, highlighting the urgent need to improve passenger safety. Commenting on this, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said many buses still do not comply with the seat belt requirement. "When an accident occurs, passengers are thrown out of the bus due to not wearing seat belts. This demonstrates the careless attitude of public transport operators, who appear to disregard the safety of passengers. "So I see this issue involving the failure to enforce the law. It is very important to implement and enforce measures to reduce the impact of fatal accidents," he told Bernama. Meanwhile, Malaysian Road and Transport Safety Association president Md Hairolazaman Muhamed Nor said his organisation also emphasised the importance of monitoring seat belt installation in all buses. "This action will encourage more bus operators to follow the regulations set by the Industry Code of Practice (ICOP) Safety Training and the Road Transport Department," he said. Hairolazaman said the installation of a Global Positioning System (GPS) and cameras installed in buses can monitor passenger compliance with seat belt usage throughout the journey. Sharing the same view, Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua said bus operators can no longer take lightly the provision of seat belts in passenger seats. "It is mandatory to have a seat belt in every seat in the bus. So the parties involved must find a way to ensure that passengers use the seat belt, for example, a seat belt with an 'alarm'. "If not worn (the seat belt), it will sound and warn the bus driver to ensure that passengers comply with the rules," he explained. In the accident that occurred between 12.30 and 1am, 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) died after the chartered bus they were travelling in from Jertih to Tanjung Malim, Perak overturned after being involved in an accident with a multi-purpose vehicle. The accident also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver and attendant, as well as the driver and three passengers of a Perodua Alza. – BERNAMA
