IPOH: The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) has been told to provide an update on its study on implementing a new “B3” motorcycle licence category.
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) Children’s Commissioner Dr Farah Nini Dusuki said Miros had in 2021 endorsed a recommendation to study the proposal by the police, but since then, there had been no updates on the matter.
“The proposal was made to the Transport Ministry (MOT) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to implement the B3 new motorcycle licence category.
“This licence would restrict individuals aged 16 to 20 to operate only electric bikes and low-powered mopeds not exceeding 70cc,” she said in a statement yesterday.
However, the status of this study had remained unclear to date, she said.
“We, therefore, urge Miros to provide a clear update on this matter.
“We also call on the MOT and JPJ to expedite the drafting of a new law related to the purchase of motorcycles by unlicensed riders in Dewan Rakyat,” said Farah Nini when commenting on the recent road accidents involving underaged motorcyclists.
Last week,a 12-year-old boy, who rode a three-wheeled motorcycle, caused the death of a 16-month-old toddler in Bachok, Kelantan.
On Thursday, two 13-year-old boys lost their lives after their motorcycles collided with each other while performing stunts in Elmina, Shah Alam.
Farah Nini said negligent parents and guardians must be held accountable for their failure to fulfil their duty of care over underaged motorcyclists who were killed in road accidents.
She said these deaths could have been prevented if the parents or guardians had exercised proper vigilance.
“The deaths of these children were not merely accidents or matters of fate.
“These incidents starkly highlight the failure of parents or guardians to properly monitor their children’s activities, particularly at night.
“According to statistics from the Bukit Aman traffic investigation and enforcement department, the number of road deaths and injuries among child motorcycle victims has increased in 2023 compared to 2022, especially in the six to 10 age range, with cases rising from 97 to 111,” she added.
Farah Nini said under Section 39(5) of the Road Transport Act, parents or guardians who cause or permit their child under 16 years old to drive a motor vehicle are guilty of an offence, and upon conviction, are liable to a maximum fine of RM2,000, up to six months in jail or both.
