Latest news with #Rozmi
The Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Crash sparks call for tougher bus rules
PETALING JAYA: The installation of in-cabin cameras to monitor bus drivers' behaviour in real time should be made mandatory and safety measures strictly enforced, said Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia traffic and road safety psychologist Prof Dr Rozmi Ismail. The urgent call comes in the wake of the tragic crash at the Gerik–Jeli East–West Highway, which claimed 15 lives yesterday. Rozmi also recommended installing black box-style recording systems in all heavy vehicles, a technology similar to what is used in the aviation industry. 'Given the long hours bus drivers endure on the road, fatigue could be a serious risk factor. 'Although we don't yet know the actual cause of the crash, mechanical failure is often assumed, but without video or data recordings, the driver's condition or actions right before the crash are rarely known.' Rozmi said in-cabin cameras could help investigators determine if a driver was distracted, chatting on a mobile phone, fatigued, unconscious or otherwise impaired at the time of an incident. 'More importantly, knowing that their actions are being monitored might encourage drivers to adopt safer and more responsible driving habits.' In addition, Rozmi called for seatbelts to be mandatory for every passenger, not just those in the front rows. 'Bus attendants must ensure all passengers are buckled up before departure. This simple step could greatly reduce injury and death in the event of a crash.' Rozmi also raised concerns about the current state of the Gerik–Jeli East–West Highway, which he described as unsafe and outdated. 'Built nearly four decades ago, the highway is still a predominantly single-lane road. 'Its narrow and deteriorating surface poses serious risks, especially during peak travel seasons like Hari Raya and Chinese New Year.' He called for the highway to be upgraded into a four-lane dual carriageway and suggested that safety personnel be stationed at critical points during festive periods to manage traffic and respond to emergencies. He also criticised the inconsistent enforcement of roadblocks, saying it only happens during festive seasons, and urged regular enforcement to deter speeding and reckless driving. Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua stressed the need for a complete safety reassessment of the Gerik–Jeli stretch. 'The highway is notorious for its sharp turns, steep inclines and unexpected wildlife crossings. 'Its poor design, insufficient lighting and lack of clear signage make it particularly dangerous for large vehicles and chartered buses travelling at night.' Law called for an independent safety audit of the route to examine road geometry, guardrail placement, lighting, speed limits and emergency response readiness. He also highlighted the dangers of overnight travel, noting that long-distance night trips significantly increase the risk of crashes due to driver fatigue and reduced visibility. 'We need stricter rules for chartered buses, including required rest breaks, vehicle inspections and continuous driver monitoring.' Law pointed out that many older buses are still not equipped with seatbelts and urged authorities to make it mandatory for buses to have seatbelts, coupled with public education campaigns and strict enforcement. He also suggested adding reflective signs, crash barriers on dangerous roads, stricter driving tests, alternative routes and continuous public education on road safety.
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Expert backs Selangor Sultan's call for action on heavy vehicle offenders
KUALA LUMPUR: A road safety expert has voiced full support for the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah's call for stricter action to be taken against heavy vehicle drivers and their companies found responsible for fatal accidents. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia traffic and road safety psychologist Professor Dr Rozmi Ismail said the Sultan's call should serve as a prompt for the government to expedite the enforcement of more stringent measures targeting unsafe heavy vehicles. "This is now a pressing issue, especially as it has been highlighted by royalty. It has persisted for far too long. "When royalty speaks out, it signals that action is needed — and I fully support His Highness's statement. "The government must treat this seriously and implement tougher measures," he said when contacted. Earlier today, Sultan Sharafuddin called for firm action against heavy vehicle drivers and companies found liable for fatal accidents. His statement follows a tragic crash involving a lorry that claimed the lives of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) policemen at Km15 of Jalan Sungai Manik–Sungai Lampam in Perak on Tuesday. In a post shared via the Selangor Royal Office's official Facebook page, Sultan Sharafuddin and Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin also extended their heartfelt condolences to the families and next of kin of the nine FRU personnel. Rozmi also highlighted two key areas of concern: the negligence of transport companies in conducting scheduled vehicle inspections, and the failure of enforcement authorities to prevent hazardous, ageing vehicles from operating on public roads. "The authorities must hold transport companies accountable for failing to maintain their fleets in line with safety requirements," he said. "But we also cannot ignore the role of enforcement agencies. Many of these lorries are between 40 and 50 years old and lack basic modern safety features." Commenting on the existing legal framework, Rozmi said that the provisions under the Road Transport Act 1987 were adequate — but often prove difficult to enforce, particularly in cases where accidents result from mechanical failure rather than driver negligence. He urged the government to review the legislation, with a focus on strengthening the accountability of transport companies that neglect vehicle safety. "We need to revisit the Act and identify the specific sections that require amendment. "More importantly, we must take firm action against companies that disregard safety standards — including revoking their licences where appropriate. That is the only way to send a clear message," he said.
