Transport Ministry seeks to reward prudent car drivers with discounts on insurance premiums

SERDANG: The Transport Ministry is waiting for proposals from insurance companies on how to reward prudent car drivers with premium discounts, says its Minister Anthony Loke (pic).

"We are still waiting for the proposals from the insurance industry.

"I have already conveyed that to the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) to come up with a mechanism on how to give incentives or discounts for motorists who do not have summonses or outstanding summonses with the authorities," he told reporters after launching the Petronas annual coffee break campaign here on Friday (Feb 1).

"We hope to roll out the mechanism as soon as possible. Hopefully, we can have it within this year, and we can announce its implementation this year as well," he said, adding that the ministry is ready to integrate the system.

Earlier in his speech, Loke said the ministry is in talks with PIAM on rewarding prudent drivers with discounts on car insurance premiums.

"We received complaints from insurance companies that due to the high number of car accidents, they have to pay out huge amount of claims on a daily basis," he said.

Loke said the ministry wants to use "the carrot and stick" approach to reduce the number of road accidents.

"Those who do not follow the law will be penalised. Those who follow the laws should be rewarded. It has to be something tangible, like the reduction in insurance premiums," he said.

At the event, Loke launched Petronas Dagangan Bhd's annual coffee break campaign to promote safety among motorists, especially those travelling during the upcoming festive season.

Travellers during the Chinese New Year celebration can rest and refresh with complimentary coffee and snacks, from Feb 2 to 3 and Feb 9 and 10 for the post-CNY journey at 150 participating Petronas stations across the country.

The National Safest Driver Challenge, which was also launched on Friday, will reward winners with Mesra points, PLUSmiles points and other prizes.