Kuala lumpur: The nationwide B2 motorcycle licence programme is an effective initiative to help reduce road accidents involving motorcyclists and their pillion riders, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said. He noted that the programme not only enables participants to obtain valid licences but also provides them with exposure and knowledge on safe and courteous riding practices.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hasbi emphasized that the programme is not just about obtaining a licence easily; it ensures that participants are equipped with the same level of knowledge as other candidates sitting for the driving test. He shared these insights with reporters after attending the Sarawak Road Transport Department (JPJ) Run.
Hasbi explained that as more motorcyclists become licensed and gain awareness of proper riding practices, the risk of accidents, particularly fatal ones, can be reduced. He expressed the aim of producing responsible motorcyclists who can set an example for others, ultimately reducing the number of road accidents involving riders and pillion passengers nationwide.
The B2 licence programme, Hasbi said, also brings additional benefits to the people, especially with the implementation of the government’s targeted fuel subsidy scheme. He urged road users to continually improve their knowledge and understanding of traffic laws, suggesting that refresher courses could be organized to remind drivers of road safety regulations and ethics.
Hasbi encouraged those who already hold licences to take the initiative to ‘upgrade’ themselves and re-familiarize with road rules, highlighting the accessibility of such information in today’s digital age.
In related news, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed concern over the high number of road fatalities, with Malaysia losing about 60,000 lives in road accidents over the past decade. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion, highlighted that 82 percent of those deaths involved motorcyclists and pillion riders.
To address this issue, the government launched the ‘MyLesen B2’ initiative in May 2023, providing free B2 motorcycle licences, including training and testing, for eligible participants from the B40 income group, school or educational institution students, and youths aged 16 to 35.