Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is considering the introduction of mandatory defensive driving courses for individuals with traffic offence records or suspended licences. This initiative aims to enhance the current driving curriculum by focusing more on practical driving skills and accident avoidance techniques, rather than merely facilitating the passage of licence tests.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Anthony Loke emphasized that this proposal is a new approach designed to encourage or mandate drivers with suspended licences and similar cases to undertake defensive driving courses. The goal is to provide training on safer and more responsible driving, ultimately reducing accident occurrences.
Loke addressed this proposal in response to Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) during a discussion on revising the motorcycle licence training curriculum at the Dewan Rakyat sitting.
In addition, the Dewan Rakyat was informed that the MOT, in collaboration with the Education Ministry, plans to implement targeted interventions for school students who commute by motorcycle. This decision follows the High-Level Committee Meeting on Road Safety and Congestion held on January 20. The MyLESEN B2 programme, which previously provided free training to the B40 group, will now focus on secondary schools to ensure student motorcyclists receive structured training, thereby mitigating accident risks associated with inexperience.
Furthermore, Loke announced the restructuring of MOT's free helmet exchange programme to concentrate on school students who ride motorcycles. The ministry has also launched the Safe School Zone or MySafe School initiative, which enforces a 30km/h speed limit around schools. This initiative includes enhancing safety infrastructure such as speed limit signs, road markings, and traffic-calming road designs.
Statistics indicate that motorcyclists comprised 66.4 percent of total road fatalities last year, with the 16 to 30 age group being the most affected. Citing the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), Loke highlighted that risky behaviour, interactions between heavy vehicles and motorcycles, inadequate riding skills, and low safety awareness are key factors contributing to road accidents, particularly those involving motorcycles.