4.4 Mil Old Vehicles Threaten Road Safety, Incentive Alone Insufficient

Over 4.4 million vehicles that are more than 20 years old are still on Malaysian roads, most without modern safety features, putting both drivers and passengers at risk. 

According to Road Transport Department (JPJ) data, these ageing cars make up about 17 per cent of the country’s 25.7 million active vehicles.

Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Road Safety Research Centre head, Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua who spoke to NST said this highlights why the RM4,000 scrappage incentive under the 2026 Budget is timely. 

“Old cars lack essential safety features, such as electronic stability control, airbags and reinforced cabin structures, all of which significantly improve survivability in a crash,” he said.

Law further stressed that decades of wear and tear weaken suspension systems, brakes and vehicle frames, while outdated engines pollute more.

“Replacing them benefits not only the owner, but also society at large," he added.

Transport policy expert Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said the incentive shows the government is serious about fleet modernisation and emissions control. 

But he cautioned that such schemes must go hand in hand with better public transport.

“The focus must shift from megaprojects to improving first and last mile connectivity like shaded walkways, reliable feeder buses and safe access to stations

“When public transport is reliable, people will naturally move away from old vehicles without needing to be forced," said Wan Agyl in a NST report.

He suggested Malaysia follow Japan’s approach with frequent inspections, recycling fees and gradual tightening of safety and emission standards.

Law agreed, saying a proper End of Life Vehicle policy could be effective, but only when Malaysians have access to efficient and affordable public transport.

 
Source: NST.