Your 10 Questions with Datuk Suret Singh

1. What is the awareness level of road safety among Malaysians compared with other Asean countries? – Bernard KH Lim, Penang

There is no comparative study so far on the relative level of road safety awareness among Asean countries. The Road Safety Department’s (JKJR or Jabatan Keselamatan Jalan Raya) core business is changing the mindset and behaviour of our road users from a Third World to a First World mentality. I concede that this change cannot be achieved overnight. We expect significant changes over 10 to 15 years. In the last five years, we have seen some visible changes such as more people using seatbelts, helmets, visibility enhancement materials and child safety seats. Consumer preference is also shifting in favour of cars with airbags, antilock braking system, etc.