Gobind: Legal Framework Needed for Autonomous Mobility

Malaysia is stepping up preparations for autonomous mobility, with the Ministry of Digital confirming that early talks are underway with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to develop a legal framework for driverless vehicles, Malay Mail reported.

Digital Minister YB Gobind Singh Deo said the transition to autonomous transport cannot be left to chance. He stressed that groundwork must address safety standards, digital infrastructure and data protection.

“We’ve already initiated discussions with JPJ on what we refer to as the autonomous vehicle network. Around the world, we are already seeing driverless vehicles in use. For Malaysia, it’s crucial to establish the right ecosystem, particularly when it comes to safety and the handling of sensitive vehicle data,” Gobind said.

He made the remarks at the launch of the Vehicle Forensic Laboratory, also known as the CAM Vehicle Lab.

Developed with the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), the facility represents a milestone in Malaysia’s automotive cyber forensics landscape.

The lab focuses on real-time black box technology to capture and analyse vehicle data. It aims to strengthen road safety, enhance cyber security and create opportunities for innovation, research and the commercialisation of digital forensic technology.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke had also revealed last year that his ministry was studying new legislation to regulate autonomous vehicles on public roads. He noted that no dedicated laws currently exist, even for pilot projects such as the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system.

Gobind added that Malaysia cannot afford to lag behind and must be legally and infrastructurally ready to welcome autonomous technology when it arrives.