Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

accidents

Ministry

issue

road safety

transportation

prevention

speeding

AwAS

For many of us who frequently travel by car, whether for work or leisure with family and friends, there&rsquo;s one thing we all tend to do&mdash;drive over the speed limit on highways. Sometimes it&rsquo;s just a little, and other times, it&rsquo;s far more than we should. Highways often become hotspots for speeding, with drivers treating them as racetracks. One such example is the infamous Karak Highway, where young drivers often test their sports cars on the way to Genting Highlands.
Malaysia has long struggled with a high number of road fatalities, many of which are linked to speeding or drivers losing control of their vehicles. The situation is particularly concerning on highways, where reckless driving is commonplace. The consequences of this behaviour are evident in the tragic accidents that occur far too frequently, putting both the drivers and other road users at risk.
In a decisive move to tackle this issue, Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced a significant upgrade to the country&rsquo;s Automated Awareness Safety System (AwAS). The outdated static speed traps will be replaced with a state-of-the-art point-to-point monitoring system. This new technology will track average speeds over longer distances, ensuring drivers maintain consistent speeds rather than merely slowing down momentarily at camera locations. This initiative aims to promote safer driving habits and reduce the alarming number of road accidents in Malaysia.
How the New System Works
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/de5f4ee3abd676caace9e61f03f97ad2fc4822f085cc200bc96a7ecda5688968" />
The traditional AwAS cameras only catch drivers speeding past fixed checkpoints. Many motorists slow down briefly when approaching these cameras, only to accelerate again once they&rsquo;ve passed. The new point-to-point system addresses this loophole by monitoring the time it takes for vehicles to travel between two checkpoints. If a driver completes the journey faster than the calculated time based on the speed limit, they will face penalties.
Explaining the new approach, Loke remarked, &ldquo;We want drivers to maintain a safe speed over the entire stretch of road, not just in front of the camera. The new system ensures a more consistent adherence to speed limits.&rdquo;
Targeting High-Risk Zones
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a1132429651aa2d271c6f1e9d22aa9be38406597019fa7063e6440bf3f6c40d6" />
The initial deployment of the upgraded AwAS cameras will focus on some of Malaysia&rsquo;s most dangerous road stretches. These include the hilly Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway near Genting Sempah and the Menora Tunnel between Kuala Kangsar and Ipoh. Both areas are notorious for speeding-related accidents, especially involving heavy vehicles navigating steep descents.
&ldquo;These are high-risk zones where drivers tend to speed, especially on downhill stretches,&rdquo; Loke explained. &ldquo;By implementing this system, we aim to reduce accidents and fatalities in these hazardous areas.&rdquo;
A Broader Road Safety Strategy
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8770ea70e7e9bc02a3945191f8acca95e873559389a9a195f25d09cdfcba7df0" />
The new system is part of a larger strategy to improve road safety and reduce Malaysia's alarming accident statistics. In 2024 alone, over 532,000 road accidents were reported, with more than 5,300 resulting in fatalities. Malaysia currently has the highest road fatality rate per 100,000 people in Asia, a statistic the government is determined to change.
To complement the upgraded AwAS system, the Ministry of Transport is also introducing a high-speed weigh-in-motion (HS-WIM) camera system. Set to be operational by September 2025, this system will monitor overweight lorries, a frequent cause of fatal collisions. Ten cameras will be installed in areas with heavy traffic and a high incidence of accidents.
Deterrence Through Technology and Tougher Penalties
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/db7900c9f9e055369a520d09d4dc3f6f3041bcd1964fc3989acce892ef76dcc6" />
The point-to-point system is already proven effective in other countries, and Malaysia&rsquo;s version promises to be equally sophisticated. With no maximum distance limit for monitoring, the system offers enforcement agencies greater flexibility. It&rsquo;s a significant leap forward from static speed cameras, ensuring that drivers maintain safe speeds over the entire journey.
Moreover, the Transport Ministry plans to review and amend laws to impose heftier fines for speeding offences. This, combined with the new surveillance technology, is expected to deter reckless driving and encourage safer behaviour on the roads.
&nbsp;
Aiming for Long-Term Change
This initiative is not merely about issuing fines; it&rsquo;s about changing driving habits and saving lives. By ensuring consistent speed adherence, the government hopes to significantly reduce road accidents and fatalities. Loke emphasised, &ldquo;This isn&rsquo;t just enforcement&mdash;it&rsquo;s about fostering a culture of road safety in Malaysia.&rdquo;
The era of quickly tapping the brakes at known speed camera spots is coming to an end. With the introduction of the point-to-point monitoring system, drivers will need to stay consistently mindful of speed limits throughout their journeys, paving the way for safer roads across Malaysia.&nbsp; 
On a lighter note, this might just be the perfect excuse to take longer breaks at the R&amp;Rs&mdash;or even consider switching to an EV. After all, a little extra time to recharge both your car and yourself could make the journey even more enjoyable.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
FOMO much? Follow our <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.facebook.com/mycclub/">Facebook</a> and <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.instagram.com/myc_news/?hl=en">Instagram</a> for more updates.

With the new point-to-point system, a break at the next R&R might save you a fine.

a71218da99d1634fdd4572882cca7ca42d7f1f379e869ffcb939e9a4921d5ca8

Malaysia’s Transport Ministry Introduces AwAS Camera System To Enhance Road Safety

Malaysia’s Transport Ministry Introduces AwAS Camera System To Enhance Road Safety

With the new point-to-point system, a break at the next R&R might save you a fine.

Latest News

CMF Phone 2 Pro Debuts With Modular Ambition And Flagship Features

Former DIA Member Somyi Attempts Comeback Following Prison Sentence And Controversy

Applications For The 2025 JPA-MARA Special Programme Now Open Until 11 May

M’sian Woman Left Disillusioned After Catalytic Converter Stolen From Her Car At LRT Station Parking Lot

Superbikes Crash On Kuala Lumpur–Karak Highway: Police Launch Manhunt For Riders

Related Articles

CMF Phone 2 Pro Debuts With Modular Ambition And Flagship Features

Former DIA Member Somyi Attempts Comeback Following Prison Sentence And Controversy

Applications For The 2025 JPA-MARA Special Programme Now Open Until 11 May

M’sian Woman Left Disillusioned After Catalytic Converter Stolen From Her Car At LRT Station Parking Lot

Superbikes Crash On Kuala Lumpur–Karak Highway: Police Launch Manhunt For Riders

Related Articles

CMF Phone 2 Pro Debuts With Modular Ambition And Flagship Features

Former DIA Member Somyi Attempts Comeback Following Prison Sentence And Controversy

Applications For The 2025 JPA-MARA Special Programme Now Open Until 11 May

M’sian Woman Left Disillusioned After Catalytic Converter Stolen From Her Car At LRT Station Parking Lot

Superbikes Crash On Kuala Lumpur–Karak Highway: Police Launch Manhunt For Riders