PDRM declares support to implement number plates for bicycles

Back in September, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) issued a proposal to implement a licensing system for bicycles as a means to compile a database of the number of bicycles and cyclists. The idea was quickly shot down by various ministers, but now The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has declared their support for the proposal in a TV interview.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigations and Enforcement chief assistant director Bakri Zainal Abidin told RTM that the move was timely and long overdue as cycling has fast been gaining popularity amongst Malaysia.

“The proposal to license bicycles and provide a number is actually a great idea since it will be with insurance coverage. Furthermore, police can conduct a proper investigation and facilitate the public for civil claims,” said Bakri.

“If there is visual evidence captured by road users against a cyclist committing a traffic violation, we need to trace the suspect.

“Without number plate or registration, it will be extremely difficult for us to do so,” he said when appearing as a guest on the “Selamat Pagi Malaysia” talk show.

Initially, MIROS intended to study the practice of bicycle registration and licensing to improve road safety. But Transport Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong had shot it down saying many factors will have to be considered when drawing up such policies.

Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican also voiced his disagreement for the policy saying that a sporting activity should not be licensed.

Malaysia isn’t completely unfamiliar to the concept of getting a license plate for bicycles. Some states like Penang used to implement this regulation that requires owners to pay for number plates for their bicycles about 50 years ago.

Credit: Free Malaysia Today