AWAS System Under Fire: Malaysia’s Road Safety Debate

Malaysia’s plan to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) to fine speeding drivers has sparked a public backlash, with critics accusing the government of focusing more on collecting revenue than improving road safety.

In fact, many argue that the initiative fails to address the country’s alarming rate of deadly accidents involving lorries.

Under the proposed Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) - a vehicle's average speed would be calculated by measuring the time it takes to travel between tollgates. Drivers found exceeding the speed limit would automatically receive fines of up to RM300, with no human involvement in the process.

The system was supposed to undergo two trial runs on accident-prone highways starting in June. However, these were delayed due to unspecified “technical issues,” according to a Transport Ministry’s spokesperson. No new timeline has been announced yet.

Despite the delay, public frustration remains high. Many Malaysians argue the system unfairly targets regular drivers while ignoring more pressing threats, especially the dangers posed by heavy vehicles.

“There are so many other useful things the Ministry of Transport (MOT) could do, but instead they choose ridiculous initiatives like this,” said one Facebook user in a widely shared comment. “Accidents involving lorries are frighteningly common, but no solutions are in sight. Instead, they keep burdening the people.”

Recent statistics backs up these concerns. A study by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) revealed that nearly 1,500 people have died in accidents involving lorries and trailers over the past six years - equating to one death every 36 hours.

Several recent fatal crashes have intensified the public outcry. The most recent on May 13, nine paramilitary officers were killed when a gravel-laden lorry slammed into their transport truck in Perak.

MOT Minister Anthony Loke has defended the AWAS system, calling it a safer option than fixed speed cameras. Fixed speed cameras cause drivers to abrupt slowdown increasing the risk of collisions. But his comments have done little to calm public scepticism.

Many Malaysians believe road safety only becomes a priority when elections are near. “Roads are full of potholes, and they never bother to resurface them,” another Facebook user wrote. “When elections are close, then suddenly the repairs begin.”

MOT has acknowledged the criticism and said it is taking steps to improve lorry safety. A task force was formed in Jan to tighten regulations on heavy vehicles, enhance enforcement and improve checks on brakes and tyres.

Authorities are also investigating recent fatal crashes and have promised tougher penalties for overloaded trucks, expanded monitoring measures and crack down on heavy vehicles hogging the fast lane.

Source: SouthChinaMorningPost