AI-Equipped AWAS Pilot Testing Begins In June

The NST reported that pilot testing for the AI-equipped Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) is expected to begin in June this year. The new system will use a point-to-point approach to measure journey time and distance to identify speed limit violations.

Two routes will be monitored during the pilot, replacing the current static camera configuration: one route from the Senawang toll plaza to the Simpang Ampat toll plaza on the North-South Expressway, and another from the Genting Sempah tunnel to the Gombak rest stop on the KL-Karak highway.

Secretary-General of the Transport Ministry Datuk Jana Santhiran Muniayan, told Berita Harian that AWAS cameras positioned along toll plazas will detect drivers who reach their destination earlier than the expected travel time.


The system implemented, as per his explanation, has the capability to track and document travel time based on the distance travelled.

“For example, if a driver travelling from Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur, to Tanjung Malim, Perak, arrives earlier than the estimated time, their vehicle’s licence plate will be detected, and a summons will be issued automatically,” he said.

Additionally, he mentioned that the artificial intelligence-powered system can determine whether a driver has stopped at any point to prolong their journey to avoid detection.

This means drivers cannot escape being detected if they exceed the speed limit, as the system measures both distance and time,” Jana stated.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced in January that the AWAS camera system will be enhanced with a point-to-point approach to measure average speed between two points based on travel time and distance.

Loke stated that the current fixed AWAS cameras have not been effective in reducing vehicle speed or accidents, as drivers often slow down only at the camera location and then speed up again.


"We want vehicles to maintain lower speeds along a specified section. For example, between points A and B, we want to know how long it takes a motorist to make the journey

If they arrive in less time than planned, it implies they were speeding and would be fined," Loke said, hoping that updating the AWAS system to a point-to-point mechanism would help minimise road accidents while increasing driver awareness and discipline across the country.