Shouldn't the mat rempit menace on highways be resolved first before thinking of setting up “motorcycle workshops” at R&Rs and near toll plazas?
An opposition leader's recent suggestion for the building of “motor workshops” at highways may have been out of genuine care and concern but aren't there more pressing issues screaming for attention ahead of populist measures that will only spark more problems for other road users?
In fact, as some cynics may argue, one day could Malaysia’s pristine and scenic world class highways enjoy a landmark makeover with a dash of local “kampung flavour” with brightly lit tom yam and satay stalls alongside barber shops and “24-Jam” motorcycle repair workshops becoming standard features near all toll plazas?
Admittedly, while it may be heartwarming to see opposition lawmakers in parliament raise issues relating to the welfare of the rakyat instead of the usual outdated racial and religious rhetoric, recently a prominent PAS youth leader had caused a stir after floating a somewhat bizarre proposal; an idea, which should it become a reality could forever change the landscape of the country's tolled highways and give a fresh meaning to the very concept of R&R!
Is there an ingrained sense of "entitlement” among some…?
Truth be told, motorcyclists in this country, regardless of whether they ride a kapcai or a superbike, sure are a lucky lot, as they are given a “free pass” to cruise along Malaysia’s excellent highways at will while others including poor uncles and pakciks in rundown Reformasi-era Proton Sagas are forced to fork out from their hard-earned earnings to pay toll charges.
For context, recently PAS lawmaker Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden had urged the Madani government to set up workshops and provide vehicle repair services at toll plazas and at the rest and service area (R&R) to cater for road users, especially motorcyclists who encounter breakdowns on the country's highways.
To be fair to him though, his suggestion did seem to be reasonable in addressing the constraints faced by many on two-wheelers, but is it really a feasible idea or a regressive one?
Incidentally, the Alor Setar MP also raised the issue of “smart lanes” along highways, which according to him, when activated seemed to put bikers at a disadvantage, and even at risk, as they are then no longer able to use the emergency lane safely.
But aren't “emergency lanes" along highways meant for emergencies only and which all other vehicles including motorbikes are prohibited from using?
In fact, it was only last February that the director-general of the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) Sazali Harun had stressed that all motorists, especially motorcyclists, must understand that emergency lanes are not meant to be used by any kind of vehicle except for breakdowns, while “smart lanes” which are activated at specific times to ease congestion are to be shared by everyone, except heavy vehicles.
Interestingly, the PAS lawmaker had also reportedly said that motorcyclists make up the largest group of highway users – and that they also pay road taxes! As such, he contended that their safety should be seriously considered in national infrastructure planning.
Yes, motorcyclists pay road taxes, but to be fair to other users – are they willing to pay highway toll charges?
In fact, while he may be right to say that the safety of motorcyclists should be taken seriously, shouldn't the laws of the country also be given due respect? Furthermore, what some disgruntled road users may point out is: aren't tolled highways, unlike federal roads, operated by private firms which depend on revenue from toll collections to maintain the highways and rest areas?
As for designated motor workshops, while it may still be practical to have them at R&R areas and allowed to operate under strict guidelines, won't there be a big question mark over whether such a business is sustainable as it would depend on the demand for such services?
As it is, isn't help already readily available from the highway operators' mobile assistance trucks?
Moreover, knowing the Malaysian culture and mindset well, wouldn't allowing commercial activities such as motorcycle workshops at R&R or near toll plazas also gradually cause other hawker businesses to spring up including warungs (roadside stalls) serving "kopi", keropok lekor and the ubiquitous “nasi ayam goreng berempah" which will only inconvenience other toll paying highway users?
All of which raises the inevitable question: Do politicians here really think deeply enough, and do their homework by reading up on local laws, before mooting populist ideas in parliament?
Notes to Ponder: Tolled highways are primarily meant to provide a fast and efficient transportation option with minimal congestion and inconveniences; while R&R areas are mainly for quick stopovers.
Main information source: FMT and BERNAMA.com.
JK Joseph (jtkingsworld@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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