ABS Mandatory For Motorcycles 150cc And Up Starting 2025

According to MIROS, the government will make ABS a mandatory fitment on new motorcycles with capacities of 150cc and greater starting Jan 1, 2025.

According to a recent report by local daily The Star, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has said that the government is passing a law soon that makes anti-lock braking systems (ABS) mandatory fitment on new motorcycles with capacities of 150cc and greater.

MIROS reportedly added that the ruling takes effect starting Jan 1, 2025, and its implementation comes as a result of a two-year feasibility study conducted by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) to address the increasing number of two-wheeled fatalities in Malaysia.

ABS continues to be absent in most 150cc kapchais, though this ruling should change things when it takes effect next year.

MOT has mulled this ruling since 2022 at least whilst it was led by previous Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. Though Wee commissioned the study mentioned, implementation wasn’t possible overnight due to several reasons, one of which being the global ABS shortage for two-wheelers at the time – another fallout of the pandemic-driven chip shortage.

Other factors that prevented the law’s implementation also included readiness of key industry players – leading motorcycle manufacturers – and other related concerns raised by relevant industry shareholders. Nevertheless, the ruling couldn’t take effect any sooner, evident through the high number of annual two-wheeled fatalities the country recorded.

According to MIROS, of the 6,442 road fatalities it recoded in 2023, roughly 4,000 from which involved motorcyclists and pillion riders.

Leading manufacturer Boon Siew Honda currently offers ABS as standard fitment in several of its 150cc/160cc offerings like the RSX 'supercub' (top), as well as the Vario 160 and ADV 160 scooters duo (bottom).

“ABS system can help reduce crashes and fatalities involving motorcycles by 30%. It helps prevent skidding so that the rider does not lose control of the motorcycle,” said MIROS chairman Dr Wong Shaw Voon to The Star.

Much like ABS in cars, ABS in motorcycles works the same way in preventing the wheel(s) from locking up, which in turn enables greater stability and control for collision avoidance. Additionally, there’s the fact that ABS also drastically reduces braking distances for motorcycles.

The following videos ought to show you the benefits of equipping motorcyles with ABS:

Whilst this is a much welcomed steps, there are a few other matters in relations to which to note too. Firstly, not all older motorcycles can be retro-fitted with ABS, and it is highly unrecommended for motorcycle owners to attempt doing so.

With the new ruling taking affect for new bikes, it’s uncertain if the government will start banning the use of motorcycles with capacities of 150cc and up that aren’t equipped with ABS.

Speaking as an experienced motorcyclist, this writer also like to add that the effectiveness of motorcycle ABS also greatly depends on several other factors. Rider’s skills and reaction time, as well as quality and condition of tyres fitted onto said motorcycle, are amongst which.

The arrival of ABS in motorcycles with capacities of 150cc and up couldn't come any sooner in our opinion. Given its benefits towards safety, wouldn't you folks agree?

Nevertheless, with the arrival of ABS-equipped motorcycles in the lower-cc space, even amongst small-capacity kapchais and scooters, starting Jan next year is a good step forward towards reducing two-wheeled fatalities in the country.

Perhaps the next step should be a review of the driving school syllabus for motorcycle riders to be more comprehensive to at least include basic lessons on how riders can maximise ABS in their motorycles, and perhaps more. Wouldn’t you agree, folks?