RM20 Million Allocated to Upgrade Federal Highway Motorcycle Lanes – KKR

A total of RM20 million will be allocated to upgrade the motorcycle lanes on the Federal Highway, the Works Ministry says.

The Works Ministry (KKR) has laid out plans to upgrade the existing motorcycle lanes along the Federal Highway, with a budget of around RM20 million set to be allocated.

Works Minister YB Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi

As reported by The Star, KKR minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said this plan, which is part of an ongoing effort by the government to enhance motorcycle safety, is in line with the Rolling Plan 5 under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12) that will end this year.

Nanta, however, pushed back on a suggestion to build dedicated motorcycle lanes on all major roads and highways in a bid to reduce high motorcycle accident rates. The minister explained in his written answer in the parliament to Baling MP Hassan Saad that the ministry has no plans to do so due to the high cost involved, adding that the ministry has already built more motorcycle lanes on selected roads and highways in Malaysia.

“We have carried out construction of motorcycle lanes in selected locations on federal roads for over a decade, he said. “These include exclusive motorcycle lanes, physically separated from the main road, and non-exclusive lanes built on widened road shoulders.”

The minister also added that before the government can decide to add more motorcycle lanes, a comprehensive study must be conducted first in order to avoid new conflicts on roads with numerous entry and exit points.

“Technical justifications are essential, covering traffic volume, motorcycle composition, accident rates, and side friction scores (FS).

“Financial considerations are also crucial, given the high costs associated with construction, land acquisition, and utility relocation,” he added.

Nanta concluded his written answer by saying that the government is committed to ensuring motorist safety and comfort, particularly for motorcyclists, with the continued studying of the need for dedicated lanes. The minister previously said that KKR was considering building motorcycle lanes on new highways and was working with highway concessionaires like PLUS to build more dedicated rain shelters for motorcyclists.

Source: The Star