Real-time monitoring system can save lives

THE use of speed-limiting devices (SLDs) for public buses and commercial vehicles has been mandatory in Malaysia for over a decade, but enforcement remains patchy.

This is because current systems rely on manual inspections, which is reactive, and, more concerning, corrupt practices paralyse effective enforcement.

It’s time for a shift; we must adopt a real-time, preventive, automated vehicle monitoring system that leaves no room for discretion, delay or interference.

The high dependence on manual inspection and delayed interventions, often too late to prevent tragedies, contributes to several enforcement challenges, namely:

> Widespread tampering: Many bus operators can easily bypass or disable speed-limiting devices, sometimes with the assistance of third-party workshops.

> Corruption and weak oversight: Some enforcement officers have allegedly turned a blind eye to non-compliance for a fee.

> Inadequate real-time monitoring: While SLDs are required, there is no unified real-time data system to ensure that buses remain within the speed limits during operation.

> Lack of public transparency: There’s little visibility into which bus operators comply with the requirement and which do not.

A national real-time monitoring system for all public transport buses, underpinned by automation and blockchain-backed transparency, can be developed and deployed using proven, readily available digital technologies.

At the heart of this system is a GPS-enabled telematics device installed in every public bus and commercial heavy vehicle. These devices continuously log speed, location, and driver behaviour.

The data is sent to a secure, government-hosted AI-driven cloud platform, which flags violations like speeding in real time. Penalties are triggered automatically, so there is no need for roadside stops or intervention by law enforcement officers.

Crucially, every violation is logged onto an immutable blockchain ledger, preventing tampering or selective deletion.

Through a smartphone mobile app, the public can view compliance dashboards for each bus company, and passengers or citizens can report a driver’s reckless driving behaviour and other issues linked to the vehicles.

By removing human discretion from the enforcement loop, the system not only improves safety but also directly combats corruption. There’s no way for a rogue enforcement officer to make a violation “disappear”. Instead, the system ensures that every offence – speeding, tampering, or equipment failure – is documented and addressed on the fly.

Penalties could include automated fines, permit suspensions for repeat offenders, and even public blacklisting of high-risk operators.

A complete setup (hardware and data connectivity) would cost roughly RM500–RM1,000 per vehicle, with operating costs around RM150–RM200 per month.

These are manageable costs for operators, especially with potential tax incentives or subsidies.

In fact, most commuters would gladly pay a few extra sen per trip in exchange for safer transport.

A rollout can begin with pilot programmes on high-risk routes, followed by regulatory integration and full national deployment. Within three years, Malaysia could become a regional leader in smart transport safety infrastructure.

Resistance from within enforcement bodies and industry players is expected, but the public demand for accountability and safe transport is growing louder.

The government must respond with vision and courage.

BAKRI MADON

Kuala Lumpur

(The writer is an academic and technology developer working on physical cybersecurity and digital governance.)