Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) has issued a reminder to all road users, urging them not to treat emergency lanes as exclusive routes. LLM director-general Datuk Sazali Harun stressed the importance of caution, particularly for motorcyclists, to prevent fatal accidents when using these lanes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sazali emphasized that emergency lanes are not meant for any specific group but are designated for all types of vehicles to stop in case of breakdowns, requiring extra caution. He revealed that he receives reports of fatal accidents almost daily due to motorcycles colliding with stationary vehicles and mentioned that solutions are being actively sought to address this issue.

At the Mini Carnival Satu Pemimpin Satu Kampung (Santuni MADANI) programme in Kampung Terusan Seberang, attended by State Education and Human Capital Committee Chairman Datuk Ismail Lasim, Sazali mentioned that the introduction of smart lanes has fostered greater awareness among motorcyclists. Previously, motorcyclists would react aggressively, sometimes kicking other vehicles using the emergency lane, but now they understand that it is to be shared with all road users.

Sazali explained that smart lanes, introduced in 2023, are activated only at specific times and in areas prone to congestion. These lanes are designated for light vehicles only, with heavy trucks prohibited.

In conjunction with the programme, Sazali highlighted LLM’s community outreach initiative, which involved 160 personnel and strategic highway partners engaging in community activities such as painting buildings and cleaning a cemetery in Kampung Terusan Seberang. The village was selected by the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department through the Ministry of Works.

Last year, LLM, in collaboration with industry partners, provided infrastructure support, including solar streetlights, computers, a hearse, and air conditioning units. Sazali noted that nearly RM23,500 was secured in crowdfunding for the construction of a funeral management room and that 20 solar streetlights were installed along a one-kilometre stretch in the village.