Malaysian motorcyclists now restricted to the left lane on the highway

KUALA LUMPUR: In order to minimize the number of deaths occurring amongst Malaysian motorcyclists, the Works Ministry plans to introduce a new policy. Under this policy, the motorcyclist would be restricted to drive only on the left lane on the highway. These proposed lane restrictions for the motorcyclist will come into effect on the weekends that too during the rush hours.

Baru Bina, a minister of Works Ministry, shed light on the alarming number of accidents taking place during high commute hours. He said that over 4,000 Malaysian motorcyclists die annually and many more get injured.

He said, “I think we can apply certain provisions during those hours of the working days like during the high (volume) traffic period that bikers may be limited to ride only on the most left side of the road.” However, as per Bina, the implementation of such a restriction on major highways like KL-Seremban Highway and New Klang Valley Expressway would not happen soon and would require consultation.

“I think we can apply certain provisions during those hours on working days, that bikers may be limited to ride only on the left-most side of the road. This is perhaps more feasible. I think any suggestion for the policy to be enforced round the clock is not suitable currently,” said the minister.

It is to be noted that this proposal not only limits the motorcyclist to drive on the left side but also limits their speed to 70 kmph.