Good parents, especially a father should ideally set good examples for their children to follow. In the Malay language, there is a famous saying, “Seperti ketam menyuruh anaknya jalan betul”. Literally translated the above idiom simply means, “A crab asking its young ones to walk straight”.

Well, an impossible task, won’t you agree?

I was at a cross-junction not too long ago, waiting for the traffic lights to turn green. The light on my side was red. And obviously, I stopped and waited.

After all, I do not wish to be caught beating the red traffic light anyway. For those readers who are unaware, it’s a hefty RM300 fine for being indiscipline and committing a traffic light offence.

After all, to a wage earner, and a low one at that, the above sum will go a long way to contributing toward lightening ones expense towards his family.

A person, it is my opinion, opts to ride a motorcycle, not because he likes it. Who on earth would prefer to straddle a motorcycle than to drive a car instead?

As reiterated, riding motors represents something that is very dangerous. With such traffic congestions that clog our roads these days, a motorcycle rider has to constantly be on guard to ensure his safety and that of his pillion rider.

Before I should stray too far way from today’s topic in question, let us go back to my original motive of writing this article.

As I stated earlier on, the traffic lights on my side of the road was red. As I stopped, a few motorcycle riders, some old and some middle aged, came rushing along towards the traffic lights.

Some stopped to observe the traffic lights. A few however gathered speed and sped along dangerously across the road. Traffic on the opposite side were at green. Cars were seen coming out of the junction ahead and turning right.

It was at this junction that I witnessed something which I feel should not have happened.

An Indian motorcycle rider, who was ferrying his teenage son behind him, then came along. Instead of stopping for the traffic light, this man unfortunately choose to ignore it instead. As a responsible father, he should have set a better example for his son to follow.

But he did not, what poor discipline!

I was in reality rather appalled with what the middle aged Indian man did. Immediately after the above incident happened, a traffic police, also riding a motorcycle, also sped across. Malaysian traffic cops as you know are dressed in dark trousers and white uniform.

Before I could utter, “What’s happening”, it suddenly dawned on me that the cop was infact chasing after the Indian motorcycle rider who had chosen to beat the red traffic light then.

By now, the offending motorcycle rider was almost 50 yards away. My contention of the traffic police intention were indeed right. The cop then put out his left hand, signaling the Indian motorcycle rider to stop at the side of the road.

Your guess is as good as mine. The offender has been pulled up for committing a serious and dangerous offence. Serves the rider right.

Readers should know what a traffic policeman’s duty is. They patrol our roads to see to it that Malaysian drivers and riders obey the traffic rules and regulations. It’s for our own safety.

And not let’s come to the question of how one settles a traffic light offence that which has been committed by the Indian motorcycle rider mentioned earlier.

It is my opinion that the police cop would be handling the offender a summons. Will the cop listen to appeals made?

I do not think so. After all, an offender should be taught a lesson.

In this article, no attempts will be made to cut corners or hide anything from readers. Facts are facts. They have to be disclosed.

A person who has committed a traffic offense can of course choose to settle the matter. The motorcycle rider can also very well decide whether he choose to attend court or otherwise. I will however abstain from telling you how the Malaysian traffic offences can be waived or settled. Readers are not so naïve, I believe.

The traffic policeman’s action upon the motorcycle rider who committed the traffic light offence that I witness along the road is something which shall be continued by the police. Motorcycle riders who choose to beat the traffic lights and thereby endanger other road users, should never be condoned. They should be fined.

Those who receive summonses, especially police ones, can now pay such summonses on-line. Early payment (within a week), is available at only RM150. Delay longer, and you will end up paying more.

Talking about summonses, the authorities say 1.7 million traffic offenders are wanted for not settling their summonses. It may not be possible to arrest them all at once, but police say, the time has arrived to take stern action.

The police are going after a few hundred thousand offenders at a time. Operation Cantas Traffic has begun. Those who have summonses to settle, beware! The police, in their road blocks, will be out to get you.

The post Motorcyclist Setting A Bad Example For His Children appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam Darat (SPAD) or the Land Public Transport Commission whist is today responsible for public transport service such as taxis, lorries and tour buses in the country, is said to be now set to suspend the Genting Highlands bus operator.

The above bus operator has its Headquarters at Jalan Pekeliling, KL. From what I am aware of, the above bus service to the top of Malaysia’s well known hill resort is not only popular, it is the sole bus transport service that is available to the public currently.

For those who may not be well acquainted with this bus company, the service which it provides to the public is invaluable. Besides that, the cost of travelling up to the hill top, which is about 6,666 feet in height, as a regular visitor to Genting, permit me to tell you that cost of travelling up this this hill resort is cheap.

If not mistaken, I believe it costs only but less than RM5 for a one way journey up to the Genting Highlands Bus Terminal at the First World Hotel.

The only drawback about the services provided by this operator, Genting Highlands Transport Sdn Bhd, is visitors to this hill resort is that one is not allowed to make earlier, prior booking.

Tickets are only sold approximately half and hour earlier before the bus departs from the bus terminal, It therefore works on the principle of “first come first serve” basis. Apart from that, it is my understanding that services provided by this particular bus company extend to well 9:00 pm daily. It is as such, a boon to visitors to Genting Highlands resorts who have missed their regular buses earlier.

Before proceeding further with this article, readers should be reminded about an unfortunate incident which took place in 21st August 2013. A bus plunged into a ravine at the Genting Highlands, killing 37 passengers.

The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), then conducted an investigation into the horrifying incident. SPAD’s Executive Officer, En. Nur Ismail Mohamad Kamal, told the public, that based on the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (MIROS) report on the matter, a decision has been made to suspend the services of Genting Highlands Transport Sdn Bhd.

The suspension is expected to be meted out within a week’s duration. This means that the company will have to cease its operating its services immediately.

When accident occurs, it is only right that the authorities concerned, Road Transport Department, the Police and in particular MIROS, conduct lengthy and detail investigations into it.

The decision, when presented to the authorities, finally ends in a suspension for the bus company concerned. The suspension , I believe will have tremendous repercussions upon the public.

Not all people are aware of one thing. Those who visit Genting Highlands do not do so just to gamble at the casino alone. Some go there for holidays. Many infact, have their honeymoons there too,

Families, with their children find Genting a cool and beautiful place to be at. The famous Theme Park is especially a favorite to local teenagers. They take the opportunity to go there whenever possible.

The Genting Highlands Resort, is only a hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. Believe it or not, the crowd there on weekends and public holidays is just maddening.

But one thing should not be forgotten. Besides local people mentioned above, foreign tourists also make use of the bus services there too.

With its imminent suspension announced, what is going to happen?

I lament over the above decision. You see, many people travel up to the hill resort to work there on a daily basis. A travelling transport expenditure of a few hundred ringgit per month is more affordable to these people then the alternative option of staying there.

Cost of living at the hill top resort is not going to be low, believe me. As such, the above mentioned group of people will definitely be the hardest hit by SPAD decision to suspend bus services provided by the Genting Highlands Transport Sdn Bhd bus company.

Acting transport minister, Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein says the government reserves the right or power to close down the bus company. Besides that, the courts can even take stern action against the company’s top management too.

It is all well said and done, as the saying goes. But the authorities should consider carefully, the repercussions I have brought up earlier on.

According to reliable reports, some 1000 people rely upon the company bus services to commute daily to Genting Highlands Resort and surrounding location like Gombak.

Chief Executive Officer of SPAD, En. Mohd Nur, is of the opinion, and he reiterates this, “it is going to have a major impact on them, without a doubt” However, not all is lost though.

The Commission is checking alternative arrangements to solve the problem. One thing however is for certain. If and when the final decision to terminate Genting Highlands resort’s responsibility to solve the transport problem will be created as a result!

Currently, the resort maroon-coloured buses only provide transport services to its cable car half way station at Gohtong Jaya. Will the above company buses now ply up to the top of the hill in the near future? It is left to be seen.

Should you ask my honest opinion, my answer to it would be “there is no other way but it!” Genting Highlands Resorts has to do it.

The post Consequences Of Genting Highlands Bus Operator Suspension appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

I am a frequent visitor to the Genting Highlands. If you like me fancy regularly going up to the cool resort, you would surely be aware that Genting has a fleet of new marooned coloured express buses.

The above, known as Go Genting express buses, ply from various locations in and around Kuala Lumpur, bringing sightseers both young and old, to the 6,666 meters hill resort. For your information, the Scania express buses, ferry passengers from KL Sentral, Pudu Sentral (formerly known as Pudu Raya), 1 Utama, Kajang as well as the LRT station at Putra Gombak. The above services provide efficient and cool rides to passengers up to the Cable Car station near Gohtong Jaya.

The road up Genting Hinghlands is both winding and hilly. Without a doubt, I must admit, bus drivers of the company are a safe and careful lot of dedicated people. But going up Genting Highlands and descending down it, especially during raining weather, can be extremely dangerous and treacherous indeed! As such, there is just so much drivers can do. And nothing more!

To ensure the safety of passengers at all times, passengers who travel in express buses, especially up and down Genting Highlands, should be belted up. Genting express buses all have seat belts. But sad to say, not many choose to use this important piece of cloth or rather the Seat Belt.

Permit me to unveil to you an accident which took place just not too long ago. I was descending down from the First World Bus Terminal. As it was already puasa or breaking fast time, the Malay driver that evening, was quite in a rush. He was driving unusually fast that particular day. I observed the driver was taking corners rather fast and furious as well.

Before proceeding on with this story, permit me to provide you with a little wee bit of advice regarding travelling in express buses, especially those going up hill and more importantly, those going downhill. Passengers should ideally sit in the middle section of the bus. In such positions or locations you can hold on to the seat that is infront of you. You will therefore not be subjected to the swaying and swinging movements, as the bus descends downhill. Get the advice?

As luck would have it, the express bus that I was travelling in down from the First World Hotel, I was sitting at the first seat near the entrance door.

As the bus shoved off, my co-passenger, who was on my left, began to install his seat belt. He then advised me to simultaneously install my safety belt too. His contention was, the driver would most probably be executing acute turns and corners as he manouveres downhill. And how right he was.

Luckily enough, I took my co-passenger’s advice. If not, I think I would most probably have been thrown out of my seat. And probably suffered injuries if thrown onto the floor of the bus. Can you imagine someone my age suffering from such injuries? It is hoped that from henceforth, passengers who embark on express buses should heed my advice. And do wear your seat belts that are provided. You actually have nothing to lose at all.

Talking about seat belts and express buses, are you aware that about a year ago, that is in 2011, the Malay Mail newspaper, reported that the Malaysian government will be implementing a law whereby it would make it compulsory for seat belts to be affixed to all express buses, beginning the year 2015!

This move is in line with the United Nations Economic Commission For Europe (UNECE) World Forum For Harmonization Of Motor Regulations (WP 29). For the transport sector, as such, all express buses will be made compulsory to have passenger seat belts installed in them when 2015 arrives.

The Malaysia Public Transport Directory, a body which is much concerned with bus expresses and its safety in this country, is of the opinion that the UN body’s suggestion above is indeed a very encouraging step. It should be implemented as early as possible, they insisted.

However, there are a few regulations which have to be followed. Regulations that have to follow are listed as below:-
R14- Safety Belt Anchorages
R16- Safety Belts
R17- Seats
R18- Practices Against Unauthorised Use
R36 – Construction of Public Services Vehicles (Large Passenger Vehicles)
R66 – Strength of Super Structure (Large Passenger Vehicle)
R80 – Seat (Large Passenger Vehicle)

The Malaysian Public Transport Directory has put forward a suggestion. It says that the implementation of the different regulations should be done together to save operators costs. Operators can have time to purchase new vehicles that fulfill regulations.
R66 and R80 are actually related to R66, which can ensure that even when a bus is involved in a roll over, the structure be still be maintained and protect passengers. To make sure that this can be achieved, the seat structure has to be integrated with R66 and R80 standards.

The above article is a result of a research which I made on the use of seat belts for express buses in the year 2015. It is hoped that this enlightening news will be of use to you. It is hoped that all readers of this article would be anticipating the arrival of 2015 and the seat belt implementation.

The post Seat Belts In Express Buses To Be Made Compulsory In 2015 appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

This September 2012, the authorities have implemented the AES. Drivers and motorcyclists would surely wish to know, what in reality is AES. The above abbreviation stands for Automated Enforcement System.

In the above sophisticated system of surveillance, the authorities will no longer rely only on Road Transport Department (RTD) officers and the police to arrest traffic offenders, but instead will use more than 1000 cameras to capture those who break the law.

For readers’ reading consumption, Malaysian drivers and motorcyclists are notorious for committing offences such as:

i. Beating the traffic lights

ii. Speeding

iii. Changing lanes suddenly

iv. Overtaking on the left

v. Not stopping at zebra crossings for pedestrians

vi. Using mobile phones without hands-free set

Motorcyclists especially, are very fond of ignoring traffic lights. Without a doubt, some drivers also commit the above offence.

The AES infact was mooted as early as 2 years ago. The system has been postponed a few times before. According to the Road Transport Department, pictures recorded by the AES cameras will be large and clear. Most importantly, the above pictures will be able to indicate Time, Date and the Location where a particular offence took place. These are the requirements needed by the courts.

Prior to the AES being implemented, the system was reported to have undergone rigid tests. Putrajaya was one of the locations where the authorities tested its cameras. A total of more than 10 locations in Putrajaya underwent stringent tests recently.

Out of the approximately 1000 or more cameras which will be used under the AES, there will be 566 to catch speeding. A total of 265 cameras are to be affixed on to traffic lights. At places where there are inadequate infrastructures to install the cameras, mobile cameras will be used instead.

The public may wish to know, who is responsible for setting up the AES which is scheduled to be launched soon all across the country.

The authorities, that is the government, or rather the Road Transport Authorities and the police, will obviously not have the expertise and know how to set up the system.

The authorities, it is said, have outsourced or privatized it out to 2 companies. These 2 companies are responsible for the maintenance of the system for the next 5 years. What happens after the 5 year duration is over is yet to be decided.

Sources say, the 2 private companies will not be paid any payment. Sources also reiterated, the said companies will be given a cut from the summons issued. However, the percentage of the cut is yet to be determined.

Implementing of the AES, I feel it should be applauded. The authorities especially the Road Transport Department has done the correct thing. The AES has been a long time coming.

But the problem that remains is, will the authorities now be able to take rigid and stringent measures to enforce the system. Unless a strict execution of implementation is imposed on those who are caught by the surveillance cameras is followed, those guilty will not bother to pay up their summonses. The AES will then go up in smokes.

What is suggested is offenders and those found guilty, should amongst other things have:

i. Their driving licenses suspended immediately

ii. Their road taxes should be withdrawn

iii. All other transactions with the RTD, like inspections and transfers be suspended

iv. All practical tests should likewise be also be suspended as well

v. Those who fail to pay up their summonses should be disallowed to sit for their Highway Code as well

Under Section 81 of the Road Transport Ordinance (RTO), there exists a law to prohibit illegal motor racing or merempit motor. Why then does the above scourge still remain rampant in our society today? The answer is simple. If all boils down to the authorities being unable to enforce the law successfully.

The latest implementation of the AES, as I said earlier, is good. A lot of money and efforts have been put into it. Let’s hope that it doesn’t suffer the same fate of other projects launched earlier by the authorities. The government and the relevant authorities, the JPJ, the police and others responsible for road safety, should make sure that the system works.

Promulgating and passing laws is one thing. To be able to execute the laws passed, is another. Whatever the consequences of the AES maybe, Malaysian drivers and motorcyclists are reminded, your days are numbered. Drive carefully and obey all traffic rules and regulations.

The post AES Enforcement Starting In September 2012 appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

The transport sector in our country seems to face quite a lot of problems. We have all heard about taxis and the problems they pose to both the public and foreigners who visit our country.

The school bus dilemma which many parents confront, year in and year out, is nothing new. Every year, before the new semester begins, school bus operators are certain to demand for an increase in their fares. The authorities, on the other hand, has time again, threatened the school bus or bas sekolah operators, their intention to replace 30 year old school buses with new vehicles. This has led to much hue and cry from bus operators themselves.

The only bus service operators who seem to be providing quite a good transport service in Malaysia to the public, happens to be the factory buses or the bas kilang operators. They appear to be doing a reasonably good job for the time being.

Recently a few bus companies have approached the authorities, that is, the government for assistance. The bus companies reiterate, that they are running at a loss. Unless the authorities step in to assist them, some bus companies have announced they will have to suspend their services to the public.

If this happens, it’s the public that will suffer. Bus transport services are extremely important, especially to the poorer strata of our society. Because of it, the Federal Government has agreed to launch a plan to assist bus transport companies out of their woes.

Besides financial problems faced by most bus transport companies in our country, the more serious problem faced by the above companies must surely be the problem of accidents involving tour and express buses.

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research or MIROS, has recently come up with a decision which the public has long awaited for MIROS says it has finally found that double-decker buses are unsafe and unsuitable for long journeys, and especially on winding roads such as Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands and Fraser’s Hill for example.

Why has MIROS reached such a major decision?

Amongst the reasons why the authorities insist that double-decker buses are unsuitable are:

i. The construction of buses could affect its stability and as a result, pose a high risk.

ii. MIROS also is of the opinion, that double-decker buses were found to be suitable to be used within town areas or highways, and not on winding roads or hilly areas. Good examples are in Great Britain and Hong Kong, for example, where most double-decker buses are mostly used in city and town areas only

iii. As a result, the use of double-decker buses in mountainous regions with steep slopes, like in Sabah, Sarawak and areas like the Cameron Highlands, are most unsuitable. The example of how a group of visitors from Brunei had their bus express crashed into a raintree, killing 7 passengers, should be a good lesson to our authorities regarding the suitability of double-deckers in the future.

Regarding the incident, Malaysian Puspakom officials, are currently in the process of investigations on the 44 seater bus, to as certain what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle along KM9 Tamparuli-Ranau trunk road.

To sum up the unsuitability of the double-decker bus for long journeys and hilly, winding roads, according to the study of physics, double-decker buses have a high centre of gravity and therefore are not suitable for use in such dangerous areas. They are said to easily topple over.

Due to the latest revelation by MIROS or the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety research, the Deputy Transport Minister, Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri, has finally called upon SPAD or the Land Public Transport Commission and the CVLB or Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board, to review the routes for double-decker buses. Both SPAD and CVLB are the authorities that are responsible for issuing bus permits’ usage in our country.

For readers’ information, the use of double-decker buses needs approval for safety inspections by the Road Transport Department or JPJ’s automotive engineering division, as well as its computerized vehicle inspection centre or Puspakom. Meanwhile, the Deputy Transport Minister also revealed that there were a total of 6,872 road fatalities that were reported last year. A total of 1% involved bus accidents.

I earnestly hope that a concrete decision on the use of double-decker buses on long journeys, hilly and winding roads, will be made by our authorities in the very near future. Whatever the decision of the authorities may be, MIROS call will definitely not go unchallenged. Bus operators and especially the Pan Malaysian Bus Operators, will most likely be putting up a protest against it.

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Statistics on road accidents in Malaysia indicate 62% of those killed are motorcyclists and pillion riders. Driving in cars is therefore much safer than riding motorcycles. Those who drive cars are protected by the external body of the vehicles itself. Seat belts also provide protection to drivers and passengers as well.

More expensive cars have protective bars running along the entire body of the vehicle, especially along doors. Modern day cars are equipped with air bags too. Expensive models of cars are said to be supplied with as many as 7 air bags.

Without a doubt, to drive a car is safer. If you should opt to ride a motorcycle instead, you will be subjected to various risks and dangers. One should therefore ride carefully.

Such being so, motorcyclists are reminded that the only protection they can get from riding this dangerous machine, is from the helmet itself. If you have to use a motorcycle, invest in a good, reliable motorcycle helmet. I would like to suggest that you get yourself a Bell, full faced helmet, which is said to cost well over RM500 each. Anyway, do remember that, whichever variety of good and reliable helmet you choose to get yourself, it will be useless if you do not tie up your straps properly.

May be you might not be aware, a candidate, appearing for a practical test conducted by Road Transport Department’s officials, is consisted to have Failed, should he be incapable of tying up his helmet properly. Wearing a protective helmet, and not tying its straps in the correct manner, tantamount to not wearing a helmet at all.

The high rate of accidents involving motorcyclists, about 62%, to be exact, has alarmed the Malaysian Cabinet. The Cabinet, is said to view this matter rather seriously. As such, the Road Transport Department (RTD) has been directed to crackdown immediately on the antics of motorcyclists.

With the above various amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 has been made. The amendments now gives the RTD the power to inspect vehicles on ALL roads, irregardless of whether it is a private road, parking lots and including roads in plantations, housing estates or villages. In short, the JPJ or RTD now has the right and authority to inspect all vehicles Everywhere. It is now like Celcom! In Hokkien, Celcom signifies heaven and earth, meaning in all places.

In order to safeguard the safety of motorcyclists in the country, the Minister of Transport, Malaysia, has directed all state JPJ directors, to make sure that motorcyclists from now on adhere to rules and regulations set out by the department.

The public might not be aware, but the JPJ does carry out community programmes. Many rural folks, like the orang asli for example, do not have driving license, even after riding motorcycles for years. The JPJ intends to assist the folks mentioned above to procure licenses. This would enable them to be eligible for insurance coverage as well.

What seems to be the problem with motorcyclists? Why are they involved in such a high rate of accidents as compared to other road users?

The authorities should infact study the reasons why so many accidents involve motorcyclists. They should come up with steps to overcome this serious problem. Below, I would like to provide a few steps to help solve this difficult problem faced by the authorities.
The steps include:

i. Raising the age to obtain a riding license.

Although this step has been advocated by many quarters, unfortunately it looks as if it has not been taken heed of. The present age to obtain a riding license (B2 class), is 16. This present age should ideally be raised to 18 at least. At 16, some, or rather most youngsters are still immature.

They might not know the dangers involved in motorcycle riding. At an older age, it is hoped some motorcyclists might have become more mature and will therefore ride a motor in a more responsible or safer manner. It therefore augurs well for the age to secure a motorcycle riding license in this country to be raised to 18 at least.

ii. Malaysian motorists especially, those who ride motors, are often said to lack discipline.

Those who lack discipline cannot be expected to follow rules and regulations. They cannot adhere to traffic lights. They commit things they are not supposed to do. They may be underage or do not possess a riding license.

They know they are not supposed to ride a motorcycle. Yet they continue to do so. They know very well that they are infact breaking the law. And yet, they choose to ride motorbikes, knowing very well that they are breaking the law and they can easily be charged under Section 26(1) of the Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987.

And finally, they know that the purpose of a motorcycle is to provide them convenience, to bring them from one place to another with ease, but because they are undisciplined, they begin to speed up to 140 km/h or 150 km/h, thus breaking the rules and endangering themselves.

Who is to be blamed for such irresponsible behavior? The motorists themselves, I would say. The safety of motorcycle riders are in their own hands themselves. No one can save them or prevent them from getting into accidents but they themselves.

iii. Many motorcyclists like to be involved in illegal races or merempit motor.

Merempit motor goes against Section 81 of the Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987. Under the above section of the act, illegal racing is deemed as serious offences. The fines are high, but obviously they are not high enough to deter people from partaking in illegal races. The government should consider seriously how to solve this problem.

Many motorcyclists have since lost their lives in such races and this problem has to be nipped in the bud as soon as possible.

iv. Young village or kampung folks and youngsters from housing estates as young as 10 or 12 can be seen nowadays riding motorcycles without the wearing of safety helmets. Parents, it looks at if, are unable to prevent their kids from using motorcycles. Parents, as a matter of fact are incapable to control their children especially where riding motorcycles are concerned. The problem appears very serious. Something concrete has to be done.

Failing which, more and more motorcyclists will suffer the same fate as that experienced by other motorcyclists earlier.

It is hoped that the forthcoming onslaught on or crackdown on Malaysian motorcyclists will go a long way to cut down the rate of accidents involving motorcyclists in this country. 62% is enough!

To end this short article on the dangers of riding motorcycles, I would like to relate 2 cases of real life stories that have remained in his memory all these years.

One of the stories pertains to the son of a neighbor of mine, Ah Choy, a former welder. The above person had a son, 17 years old, who was then working in Singapore. On his coming back home one afternoon from the south, the boy received a call from a few of his friends, who invited him for an outing at the Esplanade at Perlabuhan Klang.

On his way there, Ah Choy’s son was knocked down along Telok Gadong Road, near the La Salle School, Klang. The above accident took place some years ago. But unfortunately, even up till today, Mr. and Mrs. Ah Choy still bear sad memories of this unfortunate incident.

In another incident, a former colleague of mine, a Miss Chong, who was then working in a large secondary Chinese School in Eng Ann Housing Estate in Klang, was traumatised by the sad case of her elder brother.

Chong’s elder brother was riding a 500 c.c. superbike down from Singapore. Chong’s brother was not to reach Klang, his hometown. At Gemas, Johore, the superbiker met a nasty accident with a large Petronas oil tanker and lost his life. He was then less than 40 years old, when the accident happened.

Motorcycles are good inventions. But they should not be misused by us. Use it correctly, and I’m sure it’ll bring us a lot of good. Don’t forget to wear your safety helmet. Wear knee high leather boots. And goggles too. And leather gloves to protect your fingers. Leather jackets and thick jeans should ideally be your attire when riding a motorcycle! In short, protect yourself!

The post Stern Actions Against Errant Motorcyclists In Malaysia appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

Accidents which involve tour and express buses, normally take place at night. It is proned to happen, especially after midnight.

An incident which took place in Johor, three students and their teacher, died when their tour bus developed mechanical problems and stalled along on expressway. They were then rammed into from behind by a sand laden trailer.

From the look of things, a broken down tour or express bus along our highways and expressways, stand a good chance of being rammed into from behind by oncoming trailers and lorries.

How do we prevent such things from happening?

After careful thought and considerations, I have come up with an innovative way to prevent such accidents from taking place. How then do we go about preventing trailers and large lorries from ramming into stalled tour and express buses?

What I wish to suggest to be done is this. In usual circumstances, tour and express buses have to place a small, red triangular warning sign or “amaran segi tiga” behind the vehicle, whenever it experiences a breakdown. This is to inform other motorists approaching from behind regarding the vehicle which has broken down or stalled.

The present red coloured triangular sign which is placed behind stalled tour or express buses are too small. They cannot be seen clearly enough in the dark. There in lies the danger.

Therefore, what I would like to suggest is that a large, red triangular shaped plastic sign be constructed behind the back portion of all buses. The above warning sign should ideally measure at least 10 feet by 8 feet. This warning sign, would then be illuminated with bulbs. The electrical supply of this large warning sign would ideally come from the bus’s electrical supplies.

At night, whenever a tour or express bus should meet with any eventuality, accidents or breakdowns, the driver concerned is advised to immediately install the triangular red warning sign, which is embedded into the back of the bus.

It is believed, that such a big, large warning light brightly lit up, would be visible in the dark at least half a kilometer away. With such a step taken, I am certain that trailers, lorries and other vehicles, would no longer land up ramming into rears of broken down or stalled vehicles such as tour and express buses. This would go on to prevent unforeseen and tragic accidents happening hereafter.

It is my urnest hope that the authorities study this proposal seriously. If possible, implement this idea the soonest possible.

“Coach” or “body builders” tour and express buses, should have little problem implementing the construction of the above large triangular warning sign without any difficulty at all.

We have the technologies and expertise to do it. Malaysia as they say, “Boleh”!

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A tour bus or an “express” bus can carry 44 passengers and 2 drivers. All in all, it can ferry a total of 46 altogether. The “fate” of 46 people infact lies in the hands of one person, the bus driver.

Before proceeding any further with this article, permit me to tell readers that in reality, driving a 46 seater express or tour bus, is not a piece of cake, as the saying goes. In short, it is not as easy as some people think it is.

A few important criteria has to be met, if you are to be able to handle a tour or express bus well. First of all, a good bus driver should ideally have a few, if not all of the qualities which I have laid down below. What criteria are we talking about?

One, a tour or express bus drivers should possess ample driving experiences. Next, he should possess very good eyesight or “vision”. Night driving obviously requires this ability. And finally, it should not be forgotten, that a bus is a heavy and long vehicle.

With 46 people in it, believe me, it is not an easy task handling it. The air-brakes system, which a bus uses, is not an easy thing to master. These brakes are very sensitive and powerful. A bus driver who fails to be able to make use of the brakes, successfully, can easily cause accidents happening.

On top of all these criteria, which a bus driver should be in possession of, he has to hold an “E” full license as well. “E” license permits one to drive large vehicles such as lorries, trailers and buses. Only a small percentage of people possess this unusual capability to drive buses.

Readers might wish to inquire, am I qualified enough to write upon such an important topic as required by today’s article? For your information, I feel that I am competent enough to tackle the subject of today’s article.

Nevertheless, I shall lay down my credentials, to allow one and all to determine and evaluate my knowledge about travelling long distance by bus, especially during the night. And not only that, my experiences of travelling by buses are mostly for long distances, which span over a minimum 450 – 500 kilometers. These distances represent “inter-state” journeys, from Kuala Lumpur to Penang and vice versa.

Besides this, I have organized numerous other excursions for groups as well. As a driving instructor with over 40 years of experience, I used to travel in all types of buses when I was much younger. In fact, I have travelled extensively by express bus all throughout the nation, especially from North to South.

Where, readers would like to know, have I travelled in reality? If you should read my articles elsewhere in my blog, amongst the trips which was organized by my co-organisers and myself, were trips made to:-

i. Penang Island in the 1970’s.

ii. To Singapore Island also in the 1970’s and early 1980’s.

iii. Travelling in express buses very frequently (which were mostly made during the night) with my friends and “comrades” such as Salim Bajuri, Rashid Hashim, Mr. Wong B.M, Mr. Yap C.F. and a host of others, whom he has forgotten since.

To tell you the truth, I travelled a total of 3 times per week to Penang and back for a period of nearly 2-3 years by express buses. The journey from Penang to Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Lumpur to Penang is an arduous journey, which takes at least 7 to 10 hours per journey.

After knowing the background of my experiences travelling in tour and express buses, would you now hesitate still to consider me as having the knowledge and know how to assist the authorities on how to solve the problem of tour and express buses getting involved in crashes these days?

Talking about tour and express buses, allow me to cite to readers the names of some of the companies whose buses I used to travel in years ago.
Amongst some of the buses, I can still remember frequenting and using were:-

i. Mora Express

ii. Ekoba Express

iii. S.T.P. Express Company

Sad to note that other bus expresses which I have travelled on has since been forgotten, due to many number of years that have elapsed. But I still remember the above buses making scheduled stops at Ipoh, Perak.

Another thing which I can still remember, was that the express buses normally have 2 drivers for each journey. All the above steps were for safety purposes.

Referring back to the trips that I organized to Penang Island and Singapore Island, for both the above trips, we used an air-con bus belonging to the Kuala Selangor Onimbus Company. Our drivers included a Mr. Raman and his co-driver, a young Chinese man by the name of Kah Yong, from Jalan Bukit Kuda, Klang. Another bus driver I knew was a Mr. Ah Leong, who drove buses for the Kuala Selangor Onimbus Company for many, many years too.

All the above bus drivers, have time and again, shared with me their opinions and advices with regards to how to go along preventing bus accidents from taking place.

Besides all the experiences which I have divulged regarding my travels in bus expresses, one other important factor which I should also tell readers about is this. When travelling in a bus express, especially along the Karak Highway, I make it a point to elect sitting at the first seat, directly behind the driver. In this position, I am able to observe the driver’s habits and modes of driving.

From my personal observations, it is my opinion that a speed of 70- 80 km/h appears to be the most ideal speed for a bus express to travel. At such a speed, the drivers seem to be able to control the vehicle competently.

I have frequently observed that at speeds of 90 km/h or above, an express bus driver, will have some problems handling the bus well. Based on the above observations, it is my opinion that tour or express buses should maintain a speed of no more than 80km/h.

It is therefore hoped that the authorities will take note of my suggestion and take the necessary steps to introduce 70 – 80 km/h as the new maximum speed limit allowed on expressways for tour and express buses to travel.

The post How To Make Travelling By Bus Safer In Malaysia? appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

Some important things about motorcycles you ideally ought to be aware:

1. You can obtain a B2 motor license upon reaching the age of 16.

2. You can also obtain a B Full (Superbike) license at 16 also.

3. B2 license allows a person to ride a motor up to 250c.c. capacity only.

4. 251c.c. to 500c.c. bikes requires one to get a B1 license.

5. If you already have a D (car) license and you want to get a B2 license, you are then exempted from sitting the Undang-undang or the Highway Code.

6. Should be in possession of a B1 license, and you intend to secure a B Full (500c.c.) license, you will not be required to attend the 6 Hour Theory class to get a B Full license out.

7. The obstacle “bridge” during practical tests conducted by the JPJ must be crossed in no less than 7 seconds.

8. B2 riders possessing “L” license can ride motorcycles by hanging “L” plates infront and at the back of their bikes.

9. “L” plates riders cannot “ferry” passengers on their bikes.

10. All motorcycles should put on their front head lamps and tail lights while riding their machines, day and night.

11. Motorcycle riders have to wear safety helmets while riding.

12. When wearing helmets, it is an offence not to strap your helmets properly.

13. Not having your riding license with you as you ride your bike, is also an offence.

14. Beating the “red” traffic light on a motorbike also represents an “offence”. You can be fined as much as RM300 for it.

15. Sit or ride a motorbike adopting the “straddle” method. Carry a pillion rider with legs hanging besides motorcycle is also not allowed.

16. All motorcycles should have both the right and left hand handle mirrors at all times.

17. “Half helmets” are banned in this country. A police can arrest you if you wear one of them. However, such “helmets” are very popular in America!

18. Wearing ‘slippers” and not shoes, represents an offence too.

19. Ideally, riders are advised to wear “jeans” and “leather jackets” when riding.

20. Riding motorcycles without valid licenses or “road taxes” are also disallowed.

21. A driving license that has been allowed to lapse more than 3 years will automatically be disqualified.

22. Illegal racing by motorcyclists or “merempit” motor contraverse Section 81 of the Road Transport Act 1987. It is a RM 2000 fine. You can also have your license disqualified too.

23. Organising illegal motorcycle races also is against Section 81 of the RTO 1987 too.

24. Also, “spectators” of illegal races can also be charged under the above act as well.

Have a glance at the above 24 or so tips that this writer has given before you enter the computer exam hall. Hopefully, they will go a long way in assisting you pass the Highway Code test, thus reducing the “laments” from readers to this blog post.

The post 24 Things You Have To Know When Riding A Motorcycle appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.