PETALING JAYA: While the rollout of Level 3 autonomous vehicles in Malaysia by 2030 is achievable, it is likely to be limited to selected highways and controlled driving environments, say experts.
Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said that while the target is realistic, its implementation across the nation’s entire road network would not be practical due to environmental and infrastructural constraints.
“There are numerous cases where self-driving technology functions best in areas characterised by well-lit streets, clear lane markings, consistent traffic signs, predictable driver behaviour and favourable climatic conditions.
“However, Malaysia is a country with a more complex operating environment, where heavy rain associated with its tropical climate may impair the functionality of sensing systems,” he said.
Assoc Prof Law said the variety of road users in Malaysia, including cars, motorcycles and pedestrians, pose challenges to automated driving technologies.
He also said there are various legal issues that must be addressed, such as liability in the event of accidents involving autonomous vehicles.
As such, he said, extensive testing, data collection on local conditions, software updates and infrastructure improvements are necessary to ensure the effective operation of autonomous vehicles when they are implemented.
On the benefits of autonomous vehicles, he said the system can operate more consistently than human drivers in most situations.
Autonomous vehicles can also improve traffic flow by allowing vehicles to travel at more consistent speeds, he added.
“As far as social inclusion is concerned, autonomous transportation would also enable greater independence for older adults and people with disabilities who are unable to drive traditional cars,” he said.
Last month, Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin said Malaysia is aiming to achieve Level 3 autonomous driving capability by 2030.
Level 3 autonomous vehicles allow a car to drive itself under specific conditions, but the driver must remain in the driver’s seat and be ready to take manual control whenever required.
Former Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research member and road safety activist Shahrim Tamrin said autonomous driving is not a zero-risk solution, as it also carries risks depending on the foundation upon which it is built when implemented locally.
He noted that countries that have achieved Level 3 capability took decades to reach that stage.
He said major reforms are needed, including amendments to the Road Transport Act, the establishment of liability laws, infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of data-recording systems, for the technology to be feasible in Malaysia.
