ABS in motorcycles will soon be mandatory in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has confirmed the government’s plan to make the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) mandatory in the country. The said system in the future will be made compulsory for motorcycles with capabilities 150cc and above.

Over the period of next six months, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) will be conducting a detailed study on the matter - confirms Dr Wee. He said, “The same period will also be used to amend the existing laws for the purpose of making the installation of ABS compulsory.”

This elaborate study will include all the relevant stakeholders including the motorcycle manufacturers and consumer representatives. All these efforts will narrow down to subsequent changes to existing legislation. The implementation work would be conducted in phases, distributed over a period of two-years.

Why is the government making ABS compulsory?

Modern-day motorcycle ABS systems are capable enough to reduce motorcycle crashes and fatalities by 30 percent. As per Datul Dr Wee, “Among the main factors of motorcycle accidents in Malaysia are the motorcycles skidding or failing to dodge while riding.”

Other countries where ABS is mandatory?

In late 2012, the European Union passed a law that made ABS mandatory for motorcycles with capabilities 125cc and above. And since 2016, all the 125cc and up motorcycles sold in the EU complied with the law.

The inclusion of ABS in motorcycles will not only save many from potentially nasty situations, but will also see several 150cc and up motorcycles experience a price hike.

Furthermore, company’s pioneering in tech like Bosch and Continental have worked hard to make the ABS setup both lighter and smarter. And therefore, it all will come at a cost.

A few advantages of having ABS-

• It shorten the braking distance
• It enhances the vehicle’s performance
• It helps the rider in critical situation only, one doesn’t need to adapt to a new riding style for an ABS equipped bike
• Does not add to the bikes weight
• Starts automatically with the turning on of the engine

What are your thoughts on the government’s latest move to make ABS mandatory in motorcycles? Let us know in the comments.

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