JPJ takes serious view of cyclists on highways

IPOH, Sept 14 — The Road Transport Department (RTD) is taking a serious view of the prevalence of cyclists on highways which endangers cyclists themselves as well as other road users.

RTD director-general Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid said his department would be studying the issue with the relevant authorities such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to find the best solution in safeguarding all road users, including cyclists.

“In the legal context, bicycles are not in the group that is subject to road tax to be on the road.

“However, there are no specific bicycle laws under the Road Transport Act that can be enforced and RTD will work with other agencies to coordinate this,” he said.

Shaharuddin said this at a press conference when he attended the opening ceremony of the RTD Highway Enforcement Control Centre (UPLR) at the control centre of Jelapang toll plaza (old) at Km 268 of the North-South Expressway here today.

He said RTD would take safety measures by providing educational advocacy to cyclists in the context of using the road prudently as there are more cycling activities on the road lately.

Yesterday, a picture of a group of individuals cycling on the Rasah Kemayan flyover towards Seremban Gateway, Negeri Sembilan caused concern among the people due to the unsafe environment for cyclists.

At the ceremony, RTD also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) to improve the safety aspects of its highways.

Shaharuddin said the signing of the MOU enabled both parties to carry out initiatives and strengthen strategic cooperation involving the operation and implementation of enforcement on PLUS highways.

Also present at the signing ceremony were PLUS chief operating officer Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi and Malaysian Highway Authority director-general Datuk Mohd Shuhaimi Hassan.

According to him, the UPLR which was inaugurated today has been operating since July 1 as the centre to regulate all UPLR activities involving four main enforcement zones including the RTD Highway Enforcement Station at the Dengkil Rest and Recreation (R&R) stop in Selangor; Gunung Semanggol, Perak; Pagoh, Johor; and Paka, Terengganu.

He said since the establishment in stages, starting in 2018, UPLR has been able to reduce road offences such as driving without driving licence and road tax, driving on emergency lanes, using mobile phones while driving, and also overloaded vehicles. — Bernama