GENTING HIGHLANDS: Catching errant drivers in the act with new technology, including better cameras, will be the difference between the new and previous demerit (Kejara) systems.
The previous manual system left room for drivers to dispute committing offences but this will no longer be the case with the new Awareness Automated Safety System (Awas), said Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim.
He pointed out that enforcement was among the problems in the past but there was now a good combination of technology and (demerit) system.
“We are capitalising on technology and this will make it more efficient to implement the demerit system,” he said after the 57th annual general meeting of the Road Safety Department Malaysia.
Kejara was first implemented in 1984 before it was suspended.
The ministry is planning to table the Bill for the new demerit system during this month’s Parliament session.
“Implementation will be before the end of the year,” he said.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai announced in February that the Automated Enforcement System (AES) would be merged with the Kejara demerit system and renamed Awas.
Under the new system, motorists will start with 20 points each, and their licences will be revoked once all points are used up.
Awas, according Liow, would also help combat corruption as there would be minimal human involvement in the issuance of traffic summonses.
Saripuddin said the new and improved system followed engagement with all stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations and government departments.
He said the ministry had also learned from the experiences of other countries.
“Our intention is not to penalise but to cultivate a good road safety culture and adherence to traffic rules,” he said.
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