VTAREC Intensifies Road Safety Efforts for High-Risk Age Group

The Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTAREC) is expanding its focus to include road accidents, especially among motorcycle riders aged 16 to 35, who are seen as a high-risk group.

Its chairman, Datuk Lokman Jamaan, said this move follows a rise in fatal accidents and calls for strong cooperation from multiple agencies and stakeholders.

“We’re not just working with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Road Transport Department (JPJ), PUSPAKOM, and insurance companies, but also involving local authorities to help reduce accident numbers,” he said.

Recent data shows most accidents involve inexperienced young riders, many of whom rely on motorcycles as their main form of transport.

Lokman shared this during a press conference at the VTAREC 2025 Public Awareness Campaign on Vehicle Theft and Road Safety, held at Sunway Velocity Mall.

The campaign, titled "Protect Your Ride, Protect Your Life", includes support from government agencies, private companies, and NGOs.

He added that young motorcyclists are often fresh out of school or university and can only afford smaller vehicles, putting them at higher risk.

“Statistics show that people aged 15 to 35 are the most likely to be involved in road accidents, especially motorcyclists. Our focus now is to educate them through targeted campaigns and advocacy,” he said.

On vehicle theft, Lokman noted that while the number of cases has dropped over the past three years, however the total value of stolen vehicles has increased due to higher vehicle prices.

“In the past, a car might cost RM50,000, but now the same type of vehicle could be worth RM150,000 to RM200,000. One theft today is equal to three cases from three years ago in terms of value,” he explained.

Additionally, commercial vehicles are now a prime target due to high demand overseas, so stronger enforcement and industry collaboration are needed.

VTAREC Coordinator Mas Tina Abdul Hamid meanwhile added that road safety campaigns are also being held in strategic locations - housing communities, universities, and accident-prone areas.

“For example, last year we worked with residents in Wangsa Maju, the local MP, police, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). We listened to issues like poor lighting or lack of parking, which can lead to crimes,” she said.

She further added that VTAREC’s approach goes beyond campaigns - the focus now is to engage communities directly to understand real challenges and share useful safety information face-to-face.

Source: Berita Harian , Picture: Wan Ariff