119 motorcycle shelters to be built nationwide, says deputy minister

Roadside refuge: Abdul Rahman speaking at the Parliament building. — Bernama

A total of 119 motorcycle shelters will be built at different locations identified by the government nationwide, says Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.

The Deputy Works Minister said of the total locations, 14 will be standalone shelters while the remaining 105 will be placed under bridges.

“Of the total number of locations, 40 will be completed in phases this year and another 79 locations will be completed in 2024.

“As of November, 36 new motorcycle shelters have been built,” he said in response to Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir (PN-Setiu) during the Minister’s Question Time.

Shaharizukirnain had asked the government to list highways with motorcycle lanes and if the government will build new lanes for the vehicles on other highways.

Abdul Rahman said the government has no plan to build special motorcycle lanes at highways due to costs.

However, he said that the government will study the matter in future highway proposal negotiations, subject to financial capabilities and suitability of the road stretch.

“The government currently has no plans to build a special motorcycle lane on the highways that are in operation.

“It will involve high additional costs to the government due to the scope not being included in the Concession Agreement (CA) between the government and the highway concession company,” he said.

Abdul Rahman also noted that currently, motorcycle lanes are available on the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway, Guthrie Corridor Expressway, Shah Alam Expressway and Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge.

“Various safety initiatives have been implemented by the Works Ministry through the Malaysian Highway Authority and highway concession companies to increase safety among motorcyclists.

“Under the Malaysia Madani Initiative Programme, the ministry is building and upgrading motorcycle shelters along highways.

“This initiative would provide an additional 353 existing shelters,” he added.

Abdul Rahman also said that safety campaigns involving motorcyclists have also been consistently conducted especially during festive seasons.