Get Tough On Reckless Bikers And Red Light Offenders Now

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RECENTLY, prominent social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye had expressed deep concern over the high accident rate among motorcyclists in the country with an average of eight out of 10 motorcyclists blatantly ignoring red lights.
He also underscored the grim statistics that there are between 6,000 and 7,000 road fatalities annually in the country, with motorcyclists accounting for about 70% of the deaths.
But the reality is that many people are now riding their bikes to work to save on toll charges, petrol costs and for faster travel time, especially through traffic gridlocks, further contributing to the accident rate.
Interestingly, Lee had also called for stricter measures to address the alarming number of those running red lights while proposing a creative approach to “reward” those who are law-abiding!
But while rewarding or “incentivising” them may bear some fruits, it must be balanced with appropriate “punishment” and most importantly “strict enforcement”.
One effective form of punishment for serious traffic offenders would be by denying them government financial aid (STR)!
For this, the police and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) must have a link-up with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) where those who have committed serious traffic offences will be flagged by the system and they will be docked a certain sum (or even the entire sum) from their STR!
As for the well-heeled ones who are not eligible for STR perhaps “community service” can be considered.
Conversely, to “incentivise” those who obediently comply with traffic rules they can be given “additional cash payout” under the STR.
For example, if they are eligible to receive RM900 for the year 2025, and if they have zero serious traffic offences record in the current year, then they can be given a good behaviour “bonus” of RM300.
As for those with a clean traffic record who are not eligible for STR perhaps a generous “tax rebate” can be given to them as a reward.
To be fair, hardworking police and JPJ personnel must also be “rewarded” based on their daily KPIs for nabbing traffic offenders which can be done by way of monthly performance cash bonus; won’t this also help to dissuade them from “accepting” duit kopi (aka bribe)?
As for “enforcement”, the police and JPJ must assume greater responsibility “on the ground”; as it is, how often do we see them at intersections waiting to stop those running red lights or breathing down on those using the emergency lanes?
Finally, to enhance stricter enforcement, more must be invested in automation and AI as well as high-tech speed traps and “red-light cameras” in high-risk areas especially traffic light junctions.
In conclusion, since the outdated measures used by the authorities down the years have failed miserably, isn’t it time to apply “out-of-the-box” methods that combine punishment, incentives and robust enforcement to reduce the senseless carnage on our roads? 
Jeyakumar Joseph (JK Joseph)
Ayer Keroh, Melaka
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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