Loke: Motorcycle Ban On Highway Not a Quick Fix

Motorcyclists continue to make up the largest share of road fatalities in Malaysia, with close to 3,000 deaths recorded over the past three years, according to traffic police data.

Against this backdrop, proposals to restrict motorcycle access on highways have begun to surface, prompting Transport Minister Anthony Loke to urge a careful and measured approach.

Loke said any move to limit motorcycle use on highways must be evaluated thoroughly to determine whether it would deliver meaningful safety improvements in real-world conditions.

He noted that a number of ideas have been submitted, including proposals from highway operators such as PLUS Malaysia Berhad, but stressed that not all suggestions are necessarily practical.

Among the ideas being discussed are restrictions based on specific time periods or traffic capacity levels, particularly during peak hours when interaction between motorcycles and other vehicles is highest.

The minister said such measures must also take into account road users who genuinely rely on highways to reach their destinations.

Loke added that while restrictions could offer safety benefits — including reducing illegal racing on highways — the issue falls beyond the sole authority of the Transport Ministry.

Any decision, he said, would require coordination with the Malaysian Highway Authority, the Works Ministry and highway concessionaires.

Source: NST