PETALING JAYA, Aug 17 — Driving skills have dropped drastically since the Kejara demerit points system was discontinued about five years ago, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) said.
Miros chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said it was regrettable the system was dropped and lauded calls to have it reintroduced.
“The decision comes under the jurisdiction of the Road Transport Department (RTD). The alarming rise in the number of deaths during Hari Raya will hopefully spur them into action.
“We cannot ignore this issue and cannot afford anymore fatal road accidents,” Lee said, adding that there were an average of 20 road fatalities a day.
The renewed interest in Kejara comes after Ops Selamat 7 recorded the highest ever number of road deaths in a specific period.
Bukit Aman traffic chief SAC Datuk Mohd Fuad Abdul Latiff said the 15-day road safety operation from July 15 recorded 330 deaths.
There was an increase in accidents with 20,458 cases compared to 18,484 last year.
(Kejara is applied to holders of Competent Drivers Licences and Probationary Drivers Licences).
Licences are suspended or revoked after demerit points accumulate to a certain level.
Road safety trainer Lian Fook Seong, 47, said bringing back Kejara had benefits.
“There must, however, be more emphasis on strict action against traffic offenders,” he said.
“RTD should introduce a system for road users to report irresponsible drivers.
Top Gear Malaysia editor Hezeri Samsuri said the system quietly died due to neglect and poor record maintenance.
“I last heard of it five years ago and there has been nothing since then,” he said.
He lauded the push to revive Kejara but cautioned that it a serious approach must be taken or it would die down again.
“We need a way to penalise bad drivers. Such a system will allow us to keep track of those who are a danger to themselves and other motorists. It can’t go on like this any longer.”
