RM45 Million Boost for Road Safety: JPJ to Allocate Half of AwAS Fine Revenue
PUTRAJAYA, May 13 – In a significant move to bolster road safety efforts across Malaysia, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has announced a new funding mechanism. This initiative will see approximately half of the revenue generated from Automated Awareness System (AwAS) summonses being directly allocated to road safety programs and infrastructure improvements.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fai revealed that this shift in financial strategy is projected to yield around RM45 million annually. This substantial sum will be crucial in financing a range of initiatives designed to reduce accidents and improve overall road safety for all users.
“This is a positive step forward,” stated Loke during a press conference. “By reinvesting a portion of the fines collected through AwAS, we are directly linking accountability with tangible improvements to road safety.” He emphasized that this move is not about simply punishing offenders, but about creating a safer environment for everyone on the roads.
What Road Safety Initiatives Will Benefit?
The funds will be channeled towards a variety of programs, including:
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Increased investment in campaigns to educate drivers and the public about safe driving practices, traffic laws, and the dangers of reckless behaviour.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Funding for upgrades to roads, signage, and traffic management systems, particularly in accident-prone areas. This could include installing additional speed bumps, improving road markings, and enhancing visibility at intersections.
- Enforcement Activities: Supporting JPJ’s enforcement efforts, including increased patrols and the deployment of more traffic cameras to deter speeding and other violations.
- Road Safety Education Programs: Expanding educational programs in schools and communities to promote safe driving habits from a young age.
- Emergency Response Enhancement: Potentially contributing to improvements in emergency response capabilities, ensuring faster and more effective assistance in the event of accidents.
AwAS: A System Under Scrutiny
The AwAS system itself has faced scrutiny over the years, with some questioning its effectiveness and fairness. However, the government maintains that it remains a vital tool in deterring traffic violations and improving road safety. This new funding mechanism aims to further demonstrate the system’s positive impact by directly linking it to tangible safety improvements.
Looking Ahead
The JPJ is currently finalizing the details of how the funds will be allocated and managed. They are expected to announce a comprehensive plan in the coming weeks. This initiative represents a significant commitment from the government to prioritize road safety and create a safer driving environment for all Malaysians. The public can expect to see visible improvements in road safety initiatives as the funds are rolled out and implemented.
The move is expected to be welcomed by road safety advocates and the general public, who are increasingly concerned about the rising number of road accidents and fatalities in Malaysia. This commitment to reinvesting fines into safety improvements sends a clear message that the government is serious about addressing this critical issue.