New Laws Needed To Support Development Of Autonomous Vehicles - Loke
As autonomous vehicles (AVs) eventually become commercially viable, the Malaysian government is considering new legislation to govern AVs on public roads, NST has reported.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the framework will help with the development and digitization of autonomous vehicles, especially when it comes to their use in logistics and public transportation
There is no doubt that the law needs to be amended, Loke added. “For example, once the technology is proven to be safe and ready for mass market adoption, we will need to modify the licensing process and the way AV buses are placed on the road
The government needs to look ahead because most of our public transportation systems won't employ human drivers in 10 or 20 years, he continued. For this reason, the government is taking the preliminary steps to determine how feasible this is before determining what legislative amendments can be made.
However, there is currently no timeline because the proof of concept (PoC) for autonomous public transportation is still being developed.
“At the ministry of transport, we are ready to assist. I believe this matter needs to be examined through examples from other countries that already have a legal framework in place. So far, Malaysia does not yet have a legal framework for autonomous vehicles, so we need to look at examples from abroad as a reference,” Loke said following a 5G demonstration carried out on eMoovit Technology’s autonomous bus yesterday.
He added that the ministry of transport is prepared to facilitate the development of autonomous vehicles in terms of legislation. “We also need to look at its commercialisation, because it’s pointless to have a legal framework without its practical application,” he said.
At the moment, there are no specific laws governing autonomous vehicles, including the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), aside from the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Guideline for Public Road Trials of Autonomous Vehicles.
Written By
Anis
Previously in banking and e commerce before she realized nothing makes her happier than a revving engine and gleaming tyres........
JPJ Running Numbers
KUALA LUMPUR
VPJ834
SELANGOR
BSF8642
JOHOR
JYC4403
PULAU PINANG
PRS508
PERAK
ANX2763
PAHANG
CFC4024
KEDAH
KGB2158
NEGERI SEMBILAN
NEG3717
KOTA KINABALU
SJL5242
KUCHING
QAB6087L
Last updated 01 Jul, 2025
Fuel Price
Petrol
RON 95
RM 2.05
RON 97
RM 3.21
+0.07
RON 100
RM 5.00
VPR
RM 6.23
Diesel
EURO 5 B10
RM 2.88
+0.07
EURO 5 B7
RM 3.08
+0.07
Last updated 26 Jun, 2025
Related News
Microsoft To Invest $10M In Self-Driving Truck Startup Gatik - Sources
Microsoft intends to contribute more than $10 million to a financing round that values Gatik at more than $700 million
05-01-2023
Swedish Autonomous Truck Startup Einride Raises Funding
Swedish startup for electrified self-driving trucks On Wednesday, Einride said that it has decided to raise $500 million in financing through debt, equity, and the conversion of prior loans, accelerating the company's ability to explore new markets and clients.
08-12-2022
Waymo, Zeekr Develops Robotaxi That Has No Steering Wheel
The Chinese company Geely's new brand Zeekr is collaborating with Waymo on its next generation of robotaxis.
24-11-2022
The first autonomous electric vehicle (AV) introduced in Indonesia within the BSD City area
The first autonomous electric vehicle (AV) introduced in Indonesia.
09-10-2022
The Future of Safety (and Drifting?) - Autonomous
Whilst the development focus is on the autonomous aspect, human element is not neglected as the core focus is to elevate 'human centric intelligent driving' which is to keep drivers in control and not remove them from the picture.
26-08-2022
Baidu Inc’s Apollo RT6 Autonomous Vehicle Unveiled With No Steering Wheel
The Apollo RT6, an Autonomous Vehicle (AV) recently unveiled by China's search engine giant Baidu Inc, seems to be a promising prospect for production.
21-07-2022
Chery Set New Record Through 28.2% Growth Rate
Chery Group sets new record by achieving a 28.2% growth rate to exceed industry average of 2.1% in 2022.
15-02-2023
Latest News
Super GT Malaysia 2025 Rocks SIC After Decade-Plus Hiatus
Super GT Malaysia 2025 race weekend and festival thrills fans at SIC after decade-plus hiatus.
30-06-2025
VEP Enforcement Starts July 1 – Compound up to RM300
Starting July 1, vehicles without a valid VEP will be fined on the spot and may be stopped from leaving Malaysia.
30-06-2025
KKR Only Gets Half of RM4B Needed for Road Repairs – Ahmad Maslan
The Public Works Ministry only received half of the RM 4 billion required to repair the damaged roads in Malaysia.
30-06-2025
JPJ: Settle Summonses by July 8 or Face Crackdown
JPJ is ramping up enforcement after issuing a 14-day deadline for commercial and express bus operators to clear their summonses.
30-06-2025
First RTS Link Train Set Delivered Ahead of 2026 Launch
The first train set for the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link was unveiled today and will begin testing soon.
30-06-2025
Zeekr Group Establishes National Sales Company in Malaysia
Zeekr Group has established its national sales company in Malaysia, known as Zeekr Intelligent Technology (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
30-06-2025
JPJ: Most Commercial Vehicle Operators Fail Safety Audit
JPJ reveals 64% of commercial vehicle operators failed safety audit under Ops Khas JISA, cites major compliance issues.
30-06-2025
JPJ: Bus Seatbelt Law Enforcement Starts July 1 - RM300 Fine
JPJ set to enforce bus seatbelt rule from July 1, includes RM300 fine for drivers and passengers.
30-06-2025
Show More
trending_flat