Reports by JUNAID IBRAHIM, FARIK ZOLKEPLI and GERARD GIMINO
PETALING JAYA: Dashboard camera, once an optional accessory, is now seen as a vital safety feature of a vehicle to ensure better driving behaviour, say stakeholders.
In a push to transform road safety, industry players are advocating for mandatory dashcams in vehicles, citing significant improvements in road safety and a reduction in false insurance claims.
Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said that with dashcams, driving can be safer as motorists are aware they are being recorded.
“When drivers know they’re being recorded, they’re less likely to speed, tailgate, or engage in aggressive behaviour.
“It’s human nature; we behave better when we know someone is watching,” he said.
Wan Agyl added that the use of dashcams should also be paired with a comprehensive system such as the implementation of artificial intelligence.
He said that with the system, not only bad driving habits can be recorded but potential accidents can also be avoided.
“It’s not just about catching mistakes – it’s about correcting them before they lead to accidents.
“For individual drivers, the same principle applies.
“Knowing you’re being recorded doesn’t just keep you in check; it also gives you a layer of protection against false claims or unfair blame in an accident.
“It’s a win-win for everyone on the road,” he added.
Wan Agyl said mandatory dashcams should be imposed on commercial vehicles such as lorries and buses, where accountability is important.
“Encourage private drivers to install dashcams by offering incentives like insurance discounts or tax deductions.
“Most importantly, establish clear laws around data protection and footage use, so people feel confident their privacy is respected,” he said.
Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua, head of the Road Safety Research Centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Engineering Faculty, said dashcams provide clear and unbiased information in accidents.
He added that this would also help in dispute resolution when it comes to insurance scams.
“They also promote safer driving by acting as a deterrent to reckless behaviour and support law enforcement in investigations.
“Additionally, dashcams can provide valuable data for improving road safety,” Law said.
Malaysian Automotive Association president Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain agreed, saying that making dashcams mandatory could deter fraud cases and encourage safer driving.
“They enhance safety by providing clear evidence in accidents, helping to determine fault and preventing false claims or fraud.
“Dashcams also promote safer driving as drivers tend to be more cautious when being recorded.
“Additionally, they make it easier to resolve disputes and help drivers simplify insurance claims by reducing the risk of fraud,” he said.
However, Mohd Shamsor highlighted the issue of higher cost of vehicle ownership.
“It may not be practical to require dashcams in all vehicles, but it would be beneficial for manufacturers to offer them as standard or optional features.
“The main challenge, however, is that including dashcams could increase costs, particularly for lower-priced models,” he said, adding that basic dashcams could cost between RM150 and RM200 while advanced dual cameras equipped with GPS and wifi could cost up to RM1,500.
In 2022, a survey conducted by Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) found that 80.4% of respondents agreed that dashcams should be mandated in cars nationwide.
It also revealed 83.6% of respondents believe dashcams are shaping them into good drivers and training them to adhere to road rules.
Despite the benefits of dashcams on private vehicles, Miros chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon said that there would be issues on privacy.
He said that mandating the feature would bring discussions on the legal rights of a motorist constantly being recorded and monitored.
“How can we manage drivers’ privacy?
“If it’s mandated, and if we have to hand over the recording to the authorities, do we have a say or rather, should we have a say?” he pointed out.
However, Wong is supportive of making the installation of dashcams on commercial vehicles such as buses or lorries compulsory.
“Of course, the lorries or buses are owned by the company and should only be used for its purpose.
“The problem now is, if mandated, how are we going to ensure good compliance?” he said, suggesting a standard technical specification for dashcams for commercial vehicles.
