PETALING JAYA: While rewarding careful motorists with lower insurance premiums is a step in the right direction, authorities must enforce stricter enforcement of traffic regulations through the Kejara demerit system and fines that are calibrated in accordance with incomes, say road safety experts.
According to the Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council (VTAREC), efforts to reward safe driving under the Cermat Madani initiative should be linked to the Kejara or demerit points system for traffic offences.
Under the Cermat Madani initiative, motorists with good driving records could enjoy an additional motor insurance premium discount of up to 10% under the proposal.
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According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, the rebate is for motorists assessed as “low-risk” through the MyJPJ application and is on top of the existing no-claim discount (NCD) ceiling of up to 55%.
VTAREC general manager Mas Tina Abdul Hamid said the initiative creates a stronger system that shapes driving behaviour by connecting both rewards and punishments in a fair and consistent manner.
“Drivers who are motivated by discounts will definitely adopt safer driving habits. At the same time, the Kejara system and possible income-based fines can strengthen the punishment side of the system,” she said.
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“Income-based fines also ensure that penalties are not treated lightly by wealthier drivers and that risky behaviour is discouraged across all income groups,” she added.
Meanwhile, those who are on the receiving end of road crashes involving uninsured vehicles can seek compensation for any property damage or bodily injuries suffered, says the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM).
PIAM said this is also applicable if the driver or registered owner of the said vehicle does not have a valid road tax.
“You can take legal action against them personally and hold them accountable. In the event that the insured suffers bodily injuries and the third-party vehicle at fault has no insurance, a claim can be submitted to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
“Subject to compliance with the terms and conditions, MIB may also offer compensation at their discretion,” said PIAM in response to a query by The Star in the wake of Ops Luxury operations carried out by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
The operations are centred on offences committed by luxury vehicles such as failing to renew their motor vehicle licence or road tax, with 1,814 vehicles impounded as of May this year following a nationwide special operation.
Explaining further, PIAM stressed the importance of gathering as much information as possible about the driver, including their name and contact details, photocopies of their identity card and driving licence, accident scene photographs, and a police report.
“This information facilitates filing a lawsuit and claiming damages for the vehicle. Consulting with a legal professional is recommended as they can guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit and pursuing compensation,” PIAM said.
It added that apart from legal proceedings against the party at fault, the aggrieved party may also consider lodging a claim against their own comprehensive motor insurance policy, though it is likely that the NCD entitlement will be affected.
“It’s best to directly contact your insurer or insurance agent or intermediary or advisor for further guidance on the claim process,” it said.
PIAM also advised those involved in road crashes to seek roadside assistance directly from their insurer through the digital roadside solutions available either through web or mobile applications.
“Here, policyholders can access a range of services, including round-the-clock roadside assistance with geotracking, towing to the nearest authorised panel workshop, and managing the motor claims process,” it said, while noting that the level of digital roadside assistance may vary across insurers.
