SHAH ALAM - In a significant step towards improving motorcycle rider safety, the Works Ministry (KKR) has proposed a mandatory requirement for dedicated motorcycle lanes on all newly constructed highways.
This proposal is among the key initiatives outlined in the Highway Network Development Plan (HNDP).
"In the future, when planning for new highway construction, we may require the mandatory inclusion of motorcycle lanes. (Even though) it will have cost implications, we are concerned about saving lives," said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said this during Sinar's Town Hall session at the Karangkraf Group Auditorium today.
The minister acknowledged that implementing motorcycle lanes on existing highways may be challenging due to space constraints. "However, KKR is committed to addressing this issue by widening roads to accommodate motorcycle riders.
"Until that is established, we are currently doing our best by widening roads to provide space for them (motorcycle riders)," Nanta said.
In the meantime, KKR, through the Public Works Department (JKR), is accelerating the construction of motorcycle shelters along highways nationwide under the Bitara Malaysia Madani Initiative: Works Ministry.
"We will add and increase more sheltered areas for motorcycle riders during the rainy season," Nanta affirmed.
The ministry is also collaborating closely with the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and highway concession companies to expedite the construction of these shelters.
"The Ministry and the LLM are collaborating with highway concession companies, and I understand that we are on track to meet the target this year," he added.
The target calls for the construction of 119 motorcycle shelter areas on highways involving 33 concession companies.
This will significantly augment the existing 353 motorcycle shelter areas already in place.