SUGGESTIONS to install more Automated Awareness Safety System (Awas) cameras nationwide are being considered by the government, says Datuk Hasbi Habibollah.
The Deputy Transport Minister said the sufficiency of the devices would be based on studies to determine the number of cameras needed in the long term, alongside the financial impact incurred from installing them.
“God willing, we will be increasing the number of Awas cameras.
“We will also carry out other enforcement such as roadblocks,” he said in response to a supplementary question by Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun (PH-Port Dickson) in Parliament yesterday.
Earlier, Hasbi said of the 45 existing Awas cameras, one was placed under maintenance and the rest were functioning well.
He said studies by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research found an adherence rate of more than 99% recorded among motorists, in areas under surveillance.
He added that the cameras were to ensure motorists’ safety at fatal accident blackspots.
Separately, Hasbi said both the Transport and Works ministries were studying the need to establish a dedicated motorcycle lane on highways.
“Wherever we can build motorcycle lanes, we may do it. As an engineer myself, I know that not the whole highway is suitable for this, but there may be specific stretches where we can build motorcycle lanes,” he said in response to a supplementary question by Zakri Hassan (PN-Kangar).
