Malaysia Moves to Introduce 30km/h Speed Limit in School Zones
Malaysia Moves to Introduce 30km/h Speed Limit in School Zones
The Malaysian government is moving forward with plans to introduce a 30km/h speed limit in school zones nationwide as part of a new national road safety policy aimed at better protecting students and school communities. The initiative is led by the Ministry of Transport and involves amendments to rules under the Road Transport Act 1987. These amendments are currently under review to provide a clear legal basis for enforcing the lower speed limit once it is officially gazetted. The policy received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion on 15 July 2024, marking a significant step in strengthening road safety measures around schools. According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, enforcement will be carried out through a combination of measures. These include integrated enforcement operations in selected school areas, the installation of new speed limit signboards and clearer road markings, the use of automated enforcement system (AES) cameras where suitable, and regular monitoring during peak school hours. In addition to enforcement, the government will roll out a Safe School Zone Project as a pilot programme at high-risk schools. This project focuses on physical road improvements designed to slow traffic and enhance pedestrian safety. The government believes that this integrated approach — combining engineering, education, and enforcement — will significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries and fatalities in school areas. The initiative also aligns with the goals of the Malaysia Road Safety Plan 2022–2030, which aims to create safer roads for all road users. Once the amendments are gazetted, legal action against offenders can be taken under existing provisions of the Road Transport Act, ensuring the policy is supported by enforceable law.
Philippines