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Malaysia Crisis: Take action against unruly
motorcyclists
alaysia's roads have
become increasingly
Mdangerous, not just for
motorcyclists but for everyone
who shares the pavement. The
primary concern is the reckless
and often lawless behaviour of
motorcyclists, which has
e s c a l a t e d f r o m a m e r e
inconvenience to a serious public
safety issue. Many riders, often
untrained and undeterred by
enforcement, blatantly disregard
traffic laws, endangering lives
a n d d i m i n i s h i n g p u b l i c
confidence in road safety efforts.
A Culture of Recklessness
Motorcyclists in Malaysia are
infamous for their aggressive and t h e s e a l a r m i n g fi g u r e s , enforcement difficult.
erratic driving. It's not unusual to authorities seem to lack urgency
see riders weaving dangerously in addressing the underlying The Role of Inadequate
between cars, ignoring lanes, and causes of the problem. Training
failing to signal when changing A key factor contributing to the The issue doesn't stop with
l a n e s . I n s o m e c a s e s , c h a o s i s t h e i n a d e q u a t e enforcement; it begins with
motorcyclists shout, curse, or enforcement of traffic laws. While education. Many of Malaysia's
even physically threaten drivers Malaysia's traffic regulations are driving schools, especially those
who do not give way in tight comprehensive on paper, they focused on motorcycle training,
spaces. This behaviour goes are rarely enforced consistently. fail to teach riders the importance
beyond road rage, revealing a Riders who blatantly run red of road safety and responsible
deep disregard for road safety lights, make illegal U-turns, or riding. The emphasis at these
rules and social responsibility. schools is often on passing the
speed on highways often face no
Even more concerning is the punishment. d r i v i n g t e s t , r a t h e r t h a n
widespread neglect of basic An example of this inconsistency understanding traffic rules or the
safety standards among these is seen on the Federal Highway, consequences of reckless
riders. Many motorcyclists ride where motorcyclists are required behaviour. As a result, many
without helmets, wear inadequate to use designated lanes. Yet, riders lack respect for traffic laws
footwear, or use faulty equipment many ignore this rule and ride on and other road users, leading to a
like broken headlights or side main traffic lanes without facing generation of motorcyclists who
mirrors. Some riders do not even any intervention from the treat the roads as lawless zones.
possess valid licenses. This authorities. In contrast, car The Gig Economy's Impact
negligence puts them and others drivers who inadvertently enter
at risk, turning what should be motorcycle lanes are quickly The rise of gig economy jobs,
manageable traffic situations into fined. This double standard only particularly in food delivery
life-threatening encounters. services, has added another layer
encourages further recklessness of complexity to the issue. Riders
A Grim Toll on Lives among motorcyclists. in this sector operate on a
The statistics tell a harrowing Additionally, the “Mat Rempit” commission-based system,
story. Malaysia reports an subculture – a group of illegal which rewards speed over safety.
average of 16 motorcyclist deaths street racers known for their Traffic lights become mere
per day, totaling 112 fatalities dangerous stunts – remains suggestions, and U-turns are
each week. These numbers largely unchecked. Despite made whenever convenient,
represent more than just repeated crackdowns, these regardless of safety or legality.
statistics; they are lives lost and racers continue to dominate While these delivery riders play a
families shattered due to suburban and rural roads, often in vital role in the economy, their
preventable accidents. Despite l a r g e g r o u p s t h a t m a k e
16
LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 09 January 2025
