Playing a part: Ahmad Zahid (centre), presenting a replica of a cheque donated by Risda to Mohamad Hatta Mohd Yunos (second right), chairman of Masjid An-Nur Kompleks Ladang Risda, Ulu Keratong. Looking on are Risda chairman Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad (left) and Wan Rosdy (right). — Bernama
PEKAN: The proposed automatic upgrading of the Class B2 motorcycle driving licence to B will be brought to the Transport Ministry to be examined first, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said he did not see any problem in implementing the proposal as motorcyclists with a B2 licence already have experience.
“I don’t think they need to go for another driving test because they are experienced riders and I also do not see the need to impose strict conditions.
“I will bring it up with the minister (Anthony Loke) first. I don’t think there’s going to be a problem because it is an administrative issue only,” he told reporters after flagging off 238 high-powered motorcycle riders from the Superbikers Association Malaysia in the Kembara Merdeka 66 convoy here yesterday.
Also present were Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and association president Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman.
Earlier, Abdul Halim submitted a proposal for an automatic upgrade to Class B for motorcyclists who have not committed serious traffic offences within three years after obtaining their B2 licence. The Road Transport Department classifies the B2 licence for motorcycles not exceeding 250cc while Class B involves motorcycles exceeding 500cc.The 1,366km Kembara Merdeka 66 programme, covering Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Perak, Kedah, Penang and the Klang Valley, will run until Aug 31.
Kembara Merdeka, the brainchild of Ahmad Zahid, is aimed at fuelling the patriotic spirit and fostering friendship between high-powered motorcycle owners, villagers and young motorcycle riders.
At separate event in Rompin, Ahmad Zahid said government agencies should forge cooperation and smart partnerships with the private sector to provide opportunities to help increase the income of the people and the country.
For example, he said agencies under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry could look into joint ventures involving underutilised land.
“We can no longer think or move in silos. We have to work together, establish connections and be business-friendly with the private sector.
“Don’t be apprehensive. Give them a chance, eventually they will contribute to the government in the form of corporate taxes and assist in economic growth.
“This, in turn, brings economic spillovers and provides job opportunities to the people, especially those in the rural areas. This is a shared victory for all,” he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the palm oil biogas project of the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) in Ulu Keratong.
Citing Risda, Ahmad Zahid said the cooperation with Alliance Concord Green Sdn Bhd to develop biogas would generate about 14.8 million kWh of renewable energy annually.
The project also seeks to achieve the country’s goal of 40% renewable energy by 2035 and a low-carbon status by 2040. — Bernama
