Micromobility vehicle feasibility testing ongoing in Shah Alam

SHAH ALAM: The Transport Ministry has launched the National Regulatory Ground Test for micromobility vehicles to gauge the feasibility of its operation here.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the ground test would monitor the operational feasibility of using micromobility vehicles in terms of enforcement, licensing and usability of the infrastructure based on the guidelines prepared.

"Ground tests will be carried out in areas where appropriate infrastructure has been provided as outlined in the Town and Country Planning Department (PlanMalaysia) Guidelines.

"The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) and Futurise Sdn Bhd will assist the Shah Alam City Council to monitor the ground test from all aspects with support from the police and Road Transport Department to ensure micromobility users comply with the set regulations," he said after launching the State Regulatory Ground Field for Micromobility and the National Level Micromobility Vehicle Safety Day 2023 at Dataran Merdeka here, which was also attended by Shah Alam mayor Dr Nor Fuad Abdul Hamid and Miros director-general Azhar Hamzah.

Hasbi said use of micromobility vehicles such as escooters could reduce carbon dioxide emissions and be used as a 'first and last mile' link to ensure public transport connectivity and reduce road congestion.

"Nevertheless, we also need to pay attention to the safety aspect as using micromobility vehicles on roads is very risky because it is used IN 'mixed traffic' areas with speed limits meant for other motor vehicles.

"On Dec 17, 2021, the Transport Ministry took the initiative to implement a ban on the use of certain micromobility vehicles including escooters. However, the government has not totally banned the use of all such vehicles, as they can still be used in recreation areas, subject to the availability of infrastructure," he said.

Meanwhile, MBSA Urban Transport Division head Norazmizam Alias said the ground test initiative will be carried out in Section 14 here before being expanded to the commercial centre area in Section 7 here in stages. The programme is expected to last for one year. – Bernama