GEORGE TOWN: Speed limiters, in-vehicle video cameras and the mandatory use of seat belts in express buses are among safety measures that may be implemented soon.
In the wake of the Gerik bus tragedy that claimed the lives of 15 students on Monday, the Transport Ministry is reviewing several enforcement measures to improve road safety.
“Heavy vehicles, including lorries and buses, are currently equipped with speed limiters, but these devices are often tampered with so they no longer function.
“These devices are installed to prevent vehicles from exceeding the speed limit, but what often happens is that they are modified.
“We need to look at stricter laws to prevent these devices from being tampered with,” Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pic) said yesterday.
He explained that many heavy vehicles had working speed limiters to pass inspection at the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom), but it would later be modified for the vehicles to travel at high speed.
Asked about the possibility of making in-vehicle video cameras mandatory for heavy vehicles, he said the ministry was studying the matter.
“Video cameras are not mandatory at this point, but we may need to look at their use to enhance safety,” Loke added.
In the Gerik accident, the bus was not equipped with seat belts.
“Since 2020, it has been mandatory for all new buses to be equipped with seat belts for all passengers.
“However, in this case, the bus was built in 2013. It is 12 years old and not equipped with seat belts.”
He added that passengers, too, do not abide by the law.
“The main challenge is in ensuring compliance,” he said.
Loke had earlier announced that several concerns over road safety along the East-West Highway would be brought up at the Cabinet meeting.
He said although the highway fell under the jurisdiction of the Works Ministry, the issue of road safety is a collective responsibility.
“I will raise this matter during the Cabinet meeting so we can consider immediate steps to improve safety, particularly along the East-West Highway.
“Road safety is a serious issue that requires cooperation between ministries,” he said.
Loke said the discussion would cover various factors, not just the installation of road barriers.
“We won’t be focusing solely on road barriers. We will also examine the overall road conditions and the lack of street lighting at night.
“We urgently need to implement drastic and immediate measures to prioritise road safety, especially on the East-West Highway,” he said.
