Latest news with #MinistryOfTransport
Malay Mail
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
New AI-powered AWAS speed cameras delayed despite June launch promise, Transport Ministry yet to confirm trial start
KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — The trials for the new Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) have not yet begun. In fact, the exact starting date for the trials has not yet even been set. This is based on the information from the Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke's office, that was obtained by Berita Harian. Back in March, the Secretary-General for the Ministry of Transport (MOT), Jana Santhiran Muniayan, said that the AWAS trials would kick off in June. While the new AWAS cameras have been deployed throughout Malaysia, the trials will only take place in two places. The first one being the Genting Sempah – Gombak R&R section of the KL – Karak Expressway, while the system will also be tested at the route between Senawang and Simpang Ampat toll plaza on the North-South Expressway. What makes AWAS different from AES? The new AWAS is essentially the replacement for the previous Automated Enforcement System (AES). Aside from using new imagery equipment, AWAS will also be using a new method to detect lawbreakers. Instead of capturing the speed of the passing vehicle, AWAS will be using the point-to-point method that will calculate the time that the vehicle would reach its destination, corresponding to the route's speed limit. This way, you are no longer able to avoid detection by slowing down in front of the speed trap camera. As an example, let's say you are supposed to reach a particular toll plaza from point A in 30 minutes based on a 110km/h speed limit, but you arrive at the plaza in 20 minutes. This means you have violated the speed limit, and AWAS may have caught you in action. Jana also previously said the new AWAS implementation can even detect if the driver has stopped at a certain location to prolong their travel time in order to avoid being caught by the system. This is being done with the help of artificial intelligence that will work together with the new Ekin Spotter cameras, which feature Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology and can detect speeds of up to 320km/h. — SoyaCincau
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Malaysia's AI speed trap plan sparks anger, critics say deadly lorry crashes more pressing
Malaysia 's plan to use artificial intelligence to fine speeding drivers has drawn public ire, with critics accusing the government of prioritising revenue collection over road safety while ignoring the country's deadly record of lorry-related accidents. The government's proposed Automated Awareness Safety System (Awas) would calculate a vehicle's average speed by tracking the time taken to travel between tollgates. Those found exceeding the speed limit would be issued an automatic fine of up to 300 ringgit (US$70), without any human oversight. The transport ministry had scheduled two pilot tests on accident-prone highways in June but has since paused the roll-out, a ministry spokesman told This Week in Asia on Tuesday. Still, public anger has not subsided, with many Malaysians saying the plan would unfairly penalise drivers while allowing larger – and more dangerous – road safety threats to persist. 01:45 Asean leaders sign Kuala Lumpur Declaration as Malaysian PM warns of 'unsettled' international order Asean leaders sign Kuala Lumpur Declaration as Malaysian PM warns of 'unsettled' international order 'There are so many other useful things that MoT can do, but they choose to carry out ridiculous things like this,' read a Facebook comment on a post discussing the speed trap system, referring to the Ministry of Transport by its acronym. 'Do they understand that accident statistics involving lorries are alarming? No solution in sight only burdening the people.'
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Galfar lands key Oman road dualisation project
Oman - Galfar, one of the largest engineering, contracting and construction companies in Oman, has announced that it has secured a major construction works contract for Part Four of the Sultan Said bin Taimour Road Dualization Project. The project is being implemented in partnership with Al Omaier Trading and Contracting Company, said Galfar in a statement. This project stands as one of the most important connecting roads between the governorates of Oman, contributing to the strengthening of the logistics sector, and the development of economic and social mobility, it stated. Lauding the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology for the project, Galfar said with this vital project, it looks forward to working closely with all stakeholders to deliver this project as per the planned schedule, contributing to sustainable development and strengthening the national road network. This strategic project aims to complete the dual carriageway from the Wilayat of Adam in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate to the Wilayat of Thumrait in Dhofar Governorate, building on the 317 km already developed to the north. Once completed, the route from Muscat to Dhofar will become the longest dualised road in the sultanate, it added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Saudi Arabia declares Haj readiness as millions begin pilgrimage
MECCA, June 3 — Saudi Arabia has signalled its operational readiness for the Haj pilgrimage season. The kingdom has rolled out an integrated set of logistical, technological, and digital initiatives aimed at improving safety, comfort, and efficiency for pilgrims arriving from around the world. An official spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services — Haj Season, Saleh Ibrahim Al-Zuwaid, said over 45,000 personnel have been deployed within the transport and logistics network to ensure smooth operations during the pilgrimage. 'Our teams continue to work round-the-clock to ensure pilgrims receive the highest quality of service,' said Al-Zuwaid at a press briefing Monday. 'We urge all pilgrims to comply with official guidelines and instructions issued by the authorities to ensure everyone's safety and wellbeing throughout the Haj journey.' As part of efforts to ease congestion and streamline pilgrim movement, the Haramain High-Speed Railway has scheduled 4,700 trips throughout the Haj season. The network is expected to accommodate up to two million passengers, an increase of 400,000 seats compared to the previous year. Additionally, the 'No-Baggage Haj' initiative is now in place for pilgrims arriving via King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Under this programme, pilgrims travel directly to Makkah by train while their luggage is transported separately to their accommodation via a coordinated logistics system. 'The separation of passenger and baggage movement allows for faster processing at arrival points and ensures that pilgrims can focus on their rituals with minimal disruption,' said the official. Saudi authorities have also confirmed the full implementation of the second phase of operational plans supported by specialised technical teams. These efforts are being intensified during the Eid al-Adha holiday, traditionally one of the busiest periods of the Haj season. 'Our operational strategy has accompanied the arrival of pilgrims through multiple entry points and helped facilitate a seamless experience,' he said. Meanwhile, an official spokesperson for the Communications and Technology Ecosystem — Haj Season, Saad Saleem Al-Shanbari, reported major improvements in digital infrastructure across the holy sites, with 4G and 5G coverage in Makkah, Madinah, and surrounding areas surpassing expectations. Internet speeds have reached 264 Mbps in Makkah and 336 Mbps in Madinah, allowing pilgrims to stay connected with ease. 'Digital infrastructure plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience, from navigation and communication to access to real-time information,' he said. As part of the digital push, the kingdom has trialled a range of technologies, including AI-powered crowd management systems, advanced surveillance cameras, and secure communication tools in collaboration with security agencies. The Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) said out of 29 new technologies introduced this year, 13 had already proven successful in previous seasons. These include tools designed to manage health-related services and monitor pilgrim movement. Responding to the challenge of combating extreme heat, Saudi authorities have activated road-cooling technologies along pedestrian routes that reduce surface temperatures and improve walking conditions for pilgrims. Preliminary results from temperature-monitoring sensors have shown a measurable decrease in heat levels on cooled pathways,' said the spokesperson. — Bernama
Arab News
2 days ago
- General
- Arab News
4,900 train journeys and 2m passengers expected on holy sites metro over 7 days of Hajj
RIYADH: Trains on the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro Line are expected to complete a total of 4,900 journeys, carrying up to 2 million passengers, in the space of just seven days during Hajj. The metro, known in English as the Sacred Sites Train Line, is a high-capacity rail system in Makkah that operates for only seven days a year, during Hajj, as a shuttle service to take pilgrims to and from holy sites. Offering insights on Monday into the transportation systems that will serve pilgrims, Saleh Al-Zuwaid, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, said comprehensive preparations have been taking place ahead of the annual pilgrimage across all travel sectors, including air, land, sea and logistics. 'So far, 3,314 flights from 238 destinations in 71 countries, via 62 air carriers, have arrived in the Kingdom,' he said. There has been a 75 percent increase in the number of trips on Haramain High Speed Railway, compared with last year, he added, and a 'Hajj without Luggage' initiative allows pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia to travel to Makkah by train while their luggage is transported separately for convenience. In addition, more than 25,000 buses have been provided to ensure the safe and comfortable movement of pilgrims, backed by an extensive inspections process, he said. The latest technology, including artificial intelligence, is also being deployed to enhance transportation, Al-Zuwaid said. A fleet of vehicles equipped with AI is scanning the Kingdom's roads, from arrival ports to the holy sites, to help improve safety and ensure necessary maintenance is carried out. This year, these advanced technologies have helped to maintain 7,400 kilometers of roads leading to the holy sites. Detailing advances in digital infrastructure, Saad Al-Shanbari, a spokesperson for Hajj communications and technology, said that 4G and 5G coverage in Makkah, Madinah and at the holy sites now exceeds 99 percent, with significant increases in internet speeds. More than 10,500 Wi-Fi access points have been installed to enrich the digital experience for pilgrims, he added, and AI-powered crowd-management and specialized communication systems have been implemented in collaboration with Aramco Digital, to help ensure a reliable digital experience throughout Hajj season. The spokespersons reaffirmed their commitment to providing the best possible services and encouraged pilgrims to adhere to official guidelines designed to enhance their experiences and ensure their safety. Hajj begins on Wednesday, June 4, and will continue until Monday, June 9.
