KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry is holding engagements with stakeholders to examine the proposed use of digital monitoring system technology to detect driver fatigue and health levels, especially in relation to sleep disorder or sleep apnea, says Datuk Hasbi Habibollah.
The Deputy Transport Minister said discussions were also held with various parties including industry operators, innovators and logistics companies, particularly those involved in heavy and light transport.
According the Hasbi, it (the digital driver health monitoring system) was raised in the past, but cost concerns mainly overtook the matter as it would cost hundreds of ringgit for each check.
“However, with this new MOA (memorandum of agreement), we will look at the matter comprehensively,” he said during a question and answer session at Dewan Negara yesterday, Bernama reported.
He was replying to a supplementary question by Senator Datuk Koh Nai Kwong who wanted to know if the government was considering the use of wearable device technology or digital monitoring systems to detect the level of fatigue and health of public service vehicle drivers.
In May, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research and Alpha International Training and Consultancy signed an MOA to collaborate in developing and implementing specialised training programmes in the field of road safety and related aspects, including the Sleep Management and Rehabilitation Certification Programme.
The programme aims to address the issue of sleep deprivation and its impact on road safety in addition to raising awareness, encouraging behavioural changes and equipping road users, especially commercial drivers and transport operators, with the skills to effectively manage fatigue.
Touching on innovation, Hasbi said the ministry is also paying attention to proposals on the use of advanced technology, such as a driver identity recognition system through the vehicle steering wheel that can detect health levels, like heart rate, as soon as it is held.
He said this innovation is able to prevent unhealthy drivers from starting the journey.
“We are taking note of this matter (including) over the MOA on sleep apnea. The ministry will formulate an outcome from there, and a way forward.”
