MIROS Launches New EV Safety Guidelines For Malaysia And ASEAN

MIROS launched a slew of new EV-specific safety guidelines at its PC3 crash-test facility in Melaka this week. Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke was present to officially launch it too. 

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has introduced a slew of new safety guidelines specifically for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Present to launch this earlier this week at the MIROS PC3 crash test facility in Melaka was Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

The new guidelines announced include a Road User and Public Safety Guidelines for EV Incident Management (MyEVIM), new EV High-Voltage Assessment Protocol, as well as new EV Crash Test Lab Safety Guidelines. Together, these were devised to enhance the efficiency of EV safety management in Malaysia.

On a larger scale, MIROS also unveiled the Assessment Protocol and Procedure for High Voltage Electric Vehicles (HVEVs) under the ASEAN NCAP initiative. Critically, this procedure was introduced as a technical guideline that’s poised to be practiced across the entire ASEAN region.

“It underscores our region’s commitment to not just meet global safety standards, but to lead the way in automotive safety innovation,” remarked YB Anthony Loke after launching these new guidelines and protocols at MIROS.

Part of MIROS’ wider 2026-2030 protocol, this new document outlines procedures for lab personnel to avoid being electrocuted before and after an EV crash test, as well as for the measurement of residual electrical energy and checking of any post-crash electrolyte leaks – both can cause battery fires in the event of an accident.

Presently, ASEAN NCAP will not grade EVs based on how well or otherwise they fare in this assessment. This means that their usual star ratings for crash and active safety performance will be unaffected, but vehicles that pass its criteria will receive a “Safe” compliance label reflected in their respective test reports.

As for the new MyEVIM guidelines mentioned, MIROS highlights that it will act as a “comprehensive framework to ensure the safety and preparedness of road users and the general public” in the event an electrified vehicle (car, bike, bus or lorry) is involved in an accident, fire or flood.

Included here are procedures to properly – safely – handle high-voltage battery hazards, electrical shock risks, as well as other hazards such as toxic gas emissions and thermal runaway fires. The infographic provided ought paint the picture for this clearly.

Lastly, the new EV Crast Test Lab Safety Guidelines now stands to better protect personnel at the PC3 lab when conducting crash tests. It also aims to ensure that safety of officers, technicians and observers, as well as minimising the risk of injuries.