Works Ministry Considering Motorcycle Lanes On Future Highways

The Works Ministry is considering adding dedicated motorcycle lanes to new highways to improve motorcycle safety. Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi recognizes the potential cost increase but stresses the necessity of this measure to reduce the high rate of motorcycle accidents across the country.
He cited data from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), which shows that motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of road fatalities in the country, and emphasized that the authorities are committed to finding solutions.

"The way forward is that when we build highways, we should consider having dedicated motorcycle lanes. Even though it may cost more, if we are serious about addressing this issue, we must plan for safer infrastructure,” he says in a Sinar Harian report.

To address the limitations of expanding road constructions on existing highways, especially elevated ones, the ministry has partnered with industry players like PLUS Malaysia Bhd to create designated shelters for motorcyclists during bad weather, Nanta further stated.

"Many riders tend to stop under bridges when it rains or along emergency lanes. We have seen cases where they were hit by vehicles that could not see them clearly during rain,” he added.
In addition, the minister acknowledged that navigation apps sometimes give inaccurate directions to users of motorcycle lanes. He says that tech experts need to step up and find solutions to this problem.