Starting 2025, all new motorcycles upwards of 150cc in Malaysia must have ABS

KUALA LUMPUR:  Starting January 1 next year, all new motorcycles with an engine capacity of 150cc and above must be equipped with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS), announced Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

According to Harian Metro, this decision is part of the government's initiatives to reduce road accidents, particularly those involving motorcyclists. Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Asian Road Safety Conference (CARS) in Kuala Lumpur, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the urgency of improving safety measures for motorcyclists, who accounted for 65% of road fatalities in the country last year.

“We need to prioritize the safety of motorcyclists. Starting January 1, 2025, all new motorcycles with engine capacities of 150cc and above will be required to have ABS installed,” he said.

Also present at the event were Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.

The Deputy Prime Minister cited a World Health Organization (WHO) report, highlighting that ABS technology can reduce fatal accidents by 31%. He noted that despite a reduction in the road fatality rate from 27 per 100,000 people in 2000 to 22.5 in 2019, Malaysia still ranks among the countries with the highest road fatality rates globally.

"Given this, I believe this initiative will significantly lower the number of road deaths in Malaysia," he added, expressing hope that other ASEAN countries would follow Malaysia's lead in making motorcycles safer.

Additionally, Ahmad Zahid proposed expanding the Motorcycle Assessment Program (MyMAP) to cover the entire ASEAN or Asia region. MyMAP, which assigns safety ratings to motorcycles, currently assesses 28 models from seven manufacturers. The ratings are designed to help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions.

Currently, Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) are not mandatory for motorcycles in Malaysia. However, this is set to change as motorcycles with an engine capacity of 150cc and above will soon be required to have ABS installed in order to be sold. This new regulation aims to enhance rider safety and reduce the number of accidents on the road.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is a crucial safety feature for motorcycles, designed to prevent wheel lock-up during sudden or hard braking. By ensuring the wheels continue to rotate rather than skidding, ABS allows the rider to maintain control and stability, even on wet or slippery surfaces.

This is particularly important for motorcycles, where losing traction can lead to a crash. ABS helps riders brake more effectively in emergency situations, reducing the risk of losing control or being thrown from the bike. Ultimately, it enhances safety by giving the rider a better chance to avoid accidents and reduce the severity of potential crashes.

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Picture credit: Zahid Hamidi Facebook