Malaysia considers B2 auto license upgrade for riders over 35

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government is currently exploring ways to expedite the process of upgrading motorcycle licenses from Class B2 to Class B automatically said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

This initiative aims to streamline the licensing process for riders, taking into account factors like the duration for which the rider has held a Class B2 license and age restrictions.

The discussion, which involved key transport authorities and stakeholders, focused on finding effective mechanisms to implement this upgrade. However, it's important to note that this meeting was not for decision-making but rather for deliberation and consultation with various parties including the Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, the Road Transport Department (JPJ), and the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT).

The proposal, as reported by Berita Harian, indicates that riders with a Class B2 license, who already have experience riding motorcycles, could benefit from this upgrade. The Deputy Prime Minister previously mentioned that the proposal would be thoroughly reviewed by the Transport Ministry.

However, this proposal is not without its challenges. For instance, the President of the Malaysian Institute of Driving (PIMA), Mat Aris Bakar, raised concerns that such a move might be seen as a regression in the country's vehicle licensing system, questioning the competency of riders who would be automatically upgraded.

Regarding the suitable age for automatic license upgrading, one of the considerations is setting the threshold at 35 years. On the other hand, Minister Loke highlighted the complexity of the decision, referencing statistics from JSPT that show a high number of road accident victims are between the ages of 16 and 35. He emphasized the need to consider data and the potential risks involved, especially for younger, less experienced riders.

This ongoing conversation reflects the government's effort to balance the need for efficient licensing processes with road safety concerns. As the discussion continues, it's clear that any decision will be taken with careful consideration of its impact on motorcycle riders and road safety in general.

The discussion about automatically upgrading motorcycle licenses from Class B2 to full Class B in Malaysia began around August 27, 2023. This proposal, initiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The public reaction in Malaysia to the proposal of automatically upgrading motorcycle licenses from Class B2 to Class B has been mixed, with a significant number of experts and analysts voicing concerns. Many in the motoring community are against the idea, emphasizing the importance of safety over convenience. They argue that simply not having committed serious traffic offenses within three years of obtaining the B2 license isn't a sufficient criterion for automatic upgrading.

Safety experts, including the Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, have highlighted that implementing such an automatic upgrade could lead to serious implications. They note the high number of road fatalities involving motorcyclists and stress that the current driving test for upgrading motorcycle licenses is crucial for equipping riders with the necessary skills to handle more powerful motorcycles. Additionally, the head of the Road Safety Research Centre, associate professor Dr Law Teik Hua, agreed with this stance, suggesting that society faces a higher risk if the upgrade is implemented without thorough consideration.

These experts suggest that instead of introducing an automatic upgrade policy, the ministry should review and update the existing road transport syllabus required for car and motorcycle licenses. Their argument is that the current syllabus, while ensuring basic driving or riding skills, may not be adequate in terms of promoting road safety in today's context of increased motorization levels.

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