State mulls new approach to cut bike fatalities

SHAH ALAM: After years of failed efforts in lowering road accident fatalities involving motorcyclists and their pillion riders, the Selangor Road Transport Department (RTD) is considering an unconventional approach in overcoming the issue.

The state RTD hopes to dangle a carrot in instilling traffic safety awareness and improving the riding competency of motorcyclists by offering generous discounts on new driving licences and rewards for those who maintain a clean record on the road.

State RTD director Datuk Valluvan Veloo said yesterday it was worrying to note 60% of the almost 7,000 people killed in road crashes are motorcyclists and their pillion riders.

What was more alarming, he said, was that about 60% of motorcyclists in the state did not possess valid driving licences.

He said Selangor RTD will organise a Fiesta Bikers 2015 carnival at the Shah Alam Stadium this Sunday where discounts of up to 70% will be given for motorcyclists to acquire their licences. – by Charles Ramendran