Hold Parents Accountable to Curb Underage Riding - Suhakam

Underage riding remain a serious and unresolved issue in Malaysia, despite enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns. Recent tragedies have highlighted the dangers, not just for the young riders themselves, but for everyone on the road.

One of the most alarming cases happened in Ulu Tiram on Sunday, where a 14-year-old boy was killed after being flung under a lorry in a motorcycle crash. He had been riding pillion when his friend, also 14, lost control of the motorcycle and crashed. 

It’s one of many cases that highlight the urgent need to address the root causes of underage riding. The question remains: who is truly responsible—and why does the problem persist despite repeated warnings?

According to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), the problem stems largely from poor parental supervision and weak enforcement. Warnings alone, it says, have failed to make a lasting impact.

Suhakam Children’s Commissioner Dr Farah Nini Dusuki pointed out that stronger laws are needed to hold parents accountable and to address deeper socioeconomic challenges, especially in rural areas.

Her findings were based on a Diversion pilot project run by the government in Port Dickson, Seremban, and Sepang between 2019 and 2022.

“I conducted both the implementation and evaluation studies,” she told The Star. “Police from the traffic division and Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK) confirmed that many parents have a lax attitude towards child safety.”

However, she also acknowledged that in many cases, underage riding is driven by necessity rather than rebellion. In areas with poor public transport and high commuting costs, students often rely on motorcycles to get to school.
While the legal age for a motorcycle licence is 16 (and 17 for a car), enforcement is difficult without tackling these underlying challenges. Over the past five years, nearly 2,900 underage riders have lost their lives.

Suhakam Commissioner Ragunath Kesavan noted a lack of enforcement, especially for unlicensed riders, basikal lajak users, and Mat Rempits.

“There’s a lack of education, which contributes to the widespread disregard for the law,” he said. “The laws are there, but enforcement is both necessary and difficult.”

Meanwhile, Malaysian Council for Child Welfare chairman Datuk Dr Raj Abdul Karim said it’s time to hold parents accountable under the Child Act 2001 if they allow their children to ride motorcycles illegally.

“Parents must play their part educating their children, securing vehicle keys, and being vigilant,” she said. “There’s a reason children aren’t allowed to ride: their reflexes aren’t fully developed, so they can’t respond to danger in time.”