Dashcams: A Must-Have, Not a Nice-to-Have

Dashcams may no longer remain optional add-ons, as calls grow for them to be made standard equipment in vehicles, particularly those used for e-hailing and commercial purposes.

The Star reported that the push is fuelled by the growing use of dashcams in recording accidents and road incidents, offering clear footage that helps settle disputes and speed up investigations.

The Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia Berhad (VTAREC) has suggested a phased approach, starting with commercial and e-hailing vehicles before expanding to new private cars and, later, existing vehicles.

VTAREC coordinator Mas Tina Abdul Hamid said dashcams have already shown their value in enforcement and insurance cases, especially in hit-and-run incidents, by capturing key details such as time, location and vehicle movement.

She noted that many drivers only install dashcams after being involved in an accident, when the footage would have mattered most. Installing them earlier, she said, can help protect motorists from false claims and provide evidence immediately after an incident.

On concerns about video manipulation using artificial intelligence, Mas Tina said safeguards such as secure devices, encryption and proper handling procedures can help maintain the integrity of dashcam recordings.

However, she stressed that dashcams are only a supporting tool, adding that safer roads ultimately depend on responsible driving and compliance with traffic laws.