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A GROWING culture of pedestrians using mobile phones while walking has come under renewed scrutiny after a collision in Kuala Lumpur highlighted the potentially severe consequences of inattention in public spaces.
Police and road safety experts are urging stronger enforcement and heightened public awareness to curb what they describe as “distracted walking”, a behaviour increasingly linked to accidents and near misses on busy urban roads.
Their concerns follow the circulation of a dashcam recording showing a woman crossing a busy road in Bangsar while speaking on her mobile phone and failing to observe oncoming traffic.
She was struck by a motorcyclist during the incident on 24 March.
Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa described distracted walking as a serious behavioural risk, likening it to using a mobile phone while driving.
“This may lead to the likelihood of them crossing the road without looking at the traffic.
“The safest move they can do is to stop or sit in a safe place to take the phone call and only continue walking after they are done with their conversation,” he said.
He added that pedestrians absorbed in their devices are slower to detect and respond to hazards such as approaching vehicles, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
They may also be more exposed to opportunistic crimes such as snatch theft.
Despite the Bangsar incident ending with only minor injuries for both the pedestrian and motorcyclist, authorities are pursuing action.
The pedestrian is expected to be summoned for jaywalking under Rule 45 LN 166/59 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959.
Authorities noted that such behaviour may also fall under Section 337 of the Penal Code, which addresses acts that endanger life or personal safety through rash or negligent conduct, carrying penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of RM1,000, or both.
Road Safety Council of Malaysia executive council member Datuk Suret Singh said the risks extend beyond traffic alone, pointing to hazards such as uneven pavements, slippery surfaces, damaged manhole covers and illegally parked vehicles.
“Traffic regulations should be amended to make it an offence to use mobile phones while walking, as it can cost life and limb to both pedestrian and other road users.
“As for the Bangsar incident, the pedestrian was not only using a phone while crossing the road but was also not using a designated crossing lane.
“Motorcyclists often weave through traffic at high speed and the risk of sudden collisions are high at blind spots. Pedestrians must always be aware of these blind spots,” he said.
Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua told The Star today that the trend reflects the growing influence of digital devices on everyday behaviour, even in situations requiring full attention.
He said awareness campaigns remain essential in reshaping public habits and reducing risk, particularly in densely populated urban areas where pedestrian and vehicle interactions are frequent. - March 30, 2026