Malaysia’s 15 fatal crashes

KUALA LUMPUR, – The recent string of deadly transport accidents that claimed 15 lives has reignited scrutiny on Malaysia’s transport safety policies. While many have directed their anger toward Transport Minister Anthony Loke, road safety experts and civil society groups say the real problem is rooted in decades of government inaction.

On the surface, Loke appears to be in the hot seat. But beneath the headlines, the cracks run deep — revealing years of systemic failure that span multiple administrations, regardless of political alignment.

15 Deaths in Weeks: A Nation in Mourning

Two separate tragedies – one involving a long-distance bus and another at an unsecured rail crossing – shocked the public and dominated national headlines throughout July. The scale of the incidents, which resulted in multiple fatalities, has drawn fresh criticism of transport infrastructure and safety enforcement in Malaysia.

Families are grieving. Citizens are angry. But transport experts say the outrage should not stop at the current government.

A Legacy of Failure in Transport Policy

Malaysia has consistently reported some of the highest road accident rates in Southeast Asia. Despite growing vehicle ownership, transport safety systems have remained outdated.

"This is not just a Transport Ministry problem — it is a national policy failure," said Dr. Amir Farid, a senior lecturer in road safety studies. "Neglecting infrastructure, weak enforcement, and lack of accountability from previous governments have all led to this."

Key issues that have persisted for years include:

• Underfunded public transport safety upgrades

• Lack of automatic barrier systems at rail crossings

• Corruption in vehicle inspection and road tax enforcement

• Delays in adopting satellite and AI-based traffic monitoring

What Anthony Loke Has Done Since Taking Office

To his credit, Anthony Loke has made several reforms since taking over as Transport Minister:

• Introduced a National Railway Safety Review

• Called for independent safety audits on buses and terminals

• Proposed using satellite-based systems, similar to those in Motorist’s Traffic Camera tool, for real-time enforcement

But many reforms remain in the proposal stage due to budget limitations and legacy issues within enforcement agencies.

Reform Cannot Wait: What Malaysia Must Do Now

With road deaths mounting, transport observers are calling for bold action:

1. Prioritise Safer Vehicles

Encourage drivers to replace older, unsafe cars. Using platforms like Motorist’s Car Valuation and Sell Car services can help owners upgrade safely and affordably.

2. Revamp Enforcement Strategy

Shift towards digital enforcement using GPS and AI. Countries like Singapore already rely on tech-based road safety, and Malaysia must follow suit.

3. Improve Rail and Road Infrastructure

Install automatic barriers at all railway crossings and conduct regular audits on long-distance buses.

4. Educate and Empower Drivers

Through apps like Motorist, drivers can receive real-time traffic alerts, petrol price updates, and even Loan Calculator tools to make informed decisions on vehicle upgrades.

Malaysia’s Road Safety Crisis: More Than a Ministry’s Burden

Public frustration is valid — lives have been lost. But experts argue that Anthony Loke is dealing with a broken system inherited from years of poor policy decisions.

“Loke is one man at the helm. But the rot began long before him,” said Lim Wei Keong, an analyst at the Malaysian Institute of Transport Policy.

The media frenzy may die down, but the families of the 15 victims will never forget. And if real reforms don’t happen, more families will suffer the same fate.

What Drivers Can Do Today

While waiting for systemic change, drivers can take small steps to ensure their own safety:

• Evaluate your current car with the Car Valuation.

• Sell your old car with Motorist’s Sell Car service

• Compare insurance on Motorist Car Insurance

• Check fuel prices before travelling with the Petrol Prices tracker

• Plan your journey to Singapore with Woodlands Checkpoint live updates

Conclusion: Malaysia Deserves Better Roads, and Better Leadership

Transport tragedies are not inevitable. They are a result of policy failure, neglect, and lack of political will. While Anthony Loke must push forward with reforms, Malaysians must hold every past and future government accountable.

For drivers looking to upgrade their vehicles, stay safe on the road, or save money, the Motorist App offers everything in one place — from car valuation to real-time traffic updates. Do your part today.

Read More: Best time to sell your car in Malaysia: expert tips for smart owners

Download the Motorist App now. Designed by drivers for drivers, this all-in-one app lets you receive the latest traffic updates, gives you access to live traffic cameras, and helps you manage vehicle related matters.