Malaysia

Situation

Malaysia

Comparable to many Asian countries, Malaysia has experienced rapid motorisation in recent years, most prominently in the number of motorised 2 and 3-wheelers. As a consequence, nearly 60%* of all road traffic deaths are riders of motorcycles, and vulnerable road users (including cyclists and pedestrians) make up over 70%* of all fatalities.

In response, the country has implemented an array of road safety practices, including policies to separate and protect vulnerable road users, and national speed limits and drink-driving laws. Although, enforcement of these measures is moderate, the recorded number of motorcyclists wearing helmets has risen from 75% in 2013 to 97% in 2015*.

With a fatality reduction target of 50%* (until 2020), the Malaysian government has embarked on road safety initiatives through partnerships with business and civil society supported by GRSP. These include a national helmet project, adopting a mandatory rear seat-belt law, a national road safety education project, and the establishment of road safety clubs and traffic wardens at local schools.

(*WHO 2015)

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GRSP activities

Activities

First responder
As part of an initiative with the IFRC regional office and Grab Taxi, GRSP trained 100 Malaysian Red Crescent first aid trainers in our Road Safety Essentials course. These trainers will now train thousands of Grab Taxi drivers in safer road use.

Education – community based

GRSP is working with Grab Taxi on a Grab School initiative whereby the families of Grab Drivers attend special event trainings in a number of areas including use of technology and vocational guidance. GRSP will help develop a road safety module to be included.

Programmes

Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS)

The programme works with countries at the national level to strengthen road safety legislation, and with cities at the city level to implement proven road safety interventions.

Road user groups

Powered 2 & 3 wheelers

Motorcyclists are just 1% of total road traffic, but account for 19% of all road user deaths. This is a clear sign that there is a huge problem and that correct interventions would greatly reduce the road traffic fatalities. GRSP is heavily involved in advocating better helmet wearing legislations and is helping enforcement agencies be more effective with this road use group.

Commercial Drivers

Commercial drivers cover great amount of distance on daily basis and are prone to multiple risk factors due to the vehicle type, conditions on the road and the often the objects that they transport. GRSP dedicates a lot of attention to this road user group because of the impact they have on road safety situation and surrounding road users.