Running red-lights is fast becoming a “norm” in this country!
Recently, prominent social activist Lee Lam Thye had expressed deep concern over the high accident rate among motorcyclists in the country; he had also called for stricter measures to address the alarming number of those running red lights while proposing a creative approach to “reward” those who are law-abiding!
The popular former politician had further revealed that on average, eight out of 10 motorcyclists ignore red lights; he also underscored the grim statistics that Malaysia records between 6,000 and 7,000 road fatalities annually, with motorcyclists accounting for about 70 per cent of the deaths.
More and more commuters are “ditching” their cars and riding bikes to work…!!
The reality of life in this country is that many people in the cities are now riding their bikes to work to save on toll charges, petrol costs and for faster travel time, especially through traffic gridlocks; but hasn't this caused them to “compete” with the increasing number of cars, trucks and buses - and end up contributing to more road accidents?
As such, isn't it time to impose toll charges for motorbikes (or even ban them altogether) on notorious “accident-prone” highways? Or alternatively to make it compulsory to allocate dedicated motorbike lanes for all new highways?
The truth is, to address the problem more holistically, we need to understand the typical Malaysian psyche, whereby they are not easily spooked by the threat of punishment, fines and court cases. Why? Because they know well that law enforcement in this country can be almost nonexistent!
“Punish” serious traffic offenders by denying them the government financial aid (STR)!
It was reported recently that the punishment for running red lights would soon be made non-compoundable; but since it might involve time consuming legalities which will further burden the courts, how about considering a more simpler option by not paying out the Sumbangan Tunai Rahman (STR) to serious traffic offenders?
For this, the police and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) must have a link-up with the Income Tax Department (LHDN) where those who have committed serious traffic offences like running red lights, over-speeding or driving dangerously will be flagged by the system; then, as punishment they will be docked a certain sum (or even the entire sum) from their STR! Harsh? Yes. But, wouldn't that hit them directly where it hurts?
As for those who are not eligible for STR perhaps “community service” can be considered; after all, there is nothing Malaysians detest more than losing face (jatuh air muka)!
“Incentivise” to encourage them to change their behaviour…
Malaysians are also famously known to be attracted to “incentives” such as bonus, cashback, rebates, discounts, free offer etc; in fact, it is one of the most popular and effective methods used by retailers and developers to convince their buyers - and it works!
Malaysians crave “discounts”… and wouldn't mind standing in long queues to enjoy “savings”, not just at the Pavilion - but even at police booths!
In fact, one way to “incentivise” bikers (and maybe other road users as well) to comply with traffic rules, is by offering them “additional cash payout” to those who are eligible to receive financial aid under the STR scheme?
For example, if they are eligible to receive RM900 for the year 2025, and if they do not have any serious traffic offences record in the current year, then they will automatically receive a good behaviour “bonus” of say RM300. Wouldn't this be welcomed by those in the B40 group? As for the wealthier ones who are not eligible for STR perhaps a generous tax rebate can be given to those with a clean record as an incentive!
Note: The government should have enough funds for the extra payouts from the “savings” recouped from traffic offenders who had been disqualified from receiving the STR financial aid.
Meanwhile, shouldn't hardworking police and JPJ personnel also be “rewarded” based on their daily KPIs for nabbing traffic offenders? Perhaps, they can be given a monthly or periodic quarterly performance cash bonus, which could even help to deter them from “accepting” duit kopi (aka bribe). Note: The hefty fines collected from traffic offenders can be used to defray their performance bonus payout costs.
“Enforcement” - the perennial weak link at many government agencies!
The police and JPJ must also be “empowered” to assume a heavier responsibility; as it is, how often do we see them at intersections waiting to stop bikers and motorists beating red lights? Or how often do we see them on the highways - breathing down on those using the emergency lanes?
By the way, did we ever wonder why we immediately slow down our vehicles and become good, law-abiding citizens when Waze or Google prompts us to the presence of a police road block or a speed trap camera ahead? Isn't that proof that we tend to adjust our behaviour for the better when we know there is enforcement ahead?
But where are our “red-light” cameras?"
In fact, to enhance stricter enforcement, the government must step in by investing more in artificial intelligence and automation including more speed traps as well as more high-tech “red-light cameras” in high-risk areas especially at traffic-light junctions.
In conclusion, since the outdated measures used by the authorities down the years have failed miserably, isn’t it time to apply “out-of-the-box” methods that combine punishment, incentives and robust enforcement to reduce the senseless carnage on our roads?
Information source: NST
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