KUALA LUMPUR: Over two years after the Cabinet approved a 30km/h speed limit for school zones nationwide, the policy has yet to be gazetted as authorities continue to study necessary legal amendments, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
The Education Ministry said the Transport Ministry is currently reviewing potential amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 to ensure the reduced speed limit effectively improves safety for students and road users.
“The Transport Ministry is reviewing possible amendments in collaboration with the Education Ministry, Works Ministry, Public Works Department, police, Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), Road Transport Department (JPJ), and other relevant agencies,” the ministry said in a written parliamentary reply on Wednesday (Oct 7).
It added that once implemented, the lower speed limit will be supported by appropriate road signs, road markings, and increased traffic enforcement by relevant authorities around school areas.
The Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, approved the 30km/h national policy on July 15, 2024. Despite Transport Minister Anthony Loke stating last year that the gazetting process was underway, inter-ministerial reviews under Act 333 remain ongoing.
The ministry was responding to Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin), who inquired about cross-ministerial initiatives to bolster school traffic safety and prevent fatal accidents.
To address immediate safety needs, the ministry revealed that a "Safe School Zone" pilot project, launched in June across 14 schools in nine states and federal territories, is now being expanded nationwide. Local councils (PBTs) are also collaborating to reorganise student drop-off zones and install traffic-calming measures around school premises.
