8 in 10 Motorcyclists Run Red Lights – Stricter Measures Needed

Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, social activist and Road Safety Council member according to the News Straits Times has called for stricter action to curb the alarming trend of motorcyclists running red lights.

He also expresses support for the traffic police’s recent proposal to make red-light violations non-compoundable, however cautioned against the potential burden this might place on Malaysia's already strained judicial system.

Lee stressed the need to pair enforcement with education and advocacy to effectively address the issue. He suggested a creative approach to promote compliance, such as rewarding law-abiding motorcyclists.

Additionally, Lee underscored the seriousness of the problem, noting, "On average, eight out of 10 motorcyclists ignore red lights. This dangerous behavior sends a harmful message to younger riders and must be addressed before it becomes normalised," he warned.

He also highlighted grim statistics, revealing that Malaysia records 6,000 to 7,000 road fatalities annually, with motorcyclists accounting for about 70% of these deaths.

"Making red-light violations non-compoundable is a positive step, but the courts must be prepared to handle an increase in cases. Continuous road safety campaigns are equally critical to changing public attitudes," he said.

Additionally, Lee proposed intensive educational initiatives - "This isn’t just about enforcement - it’s about saving lives. Prioritising safety awareness alongside robust measures is essential to make our roads safer for everyone."