PUTRAJAYA: More than 95 per cent assessed stretches of four Malaysian inter-urban expressway networks have been awarded 3-star ratings or higher for safety under the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP).
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, announcing this after launching the Malaysia iRAP 2017 Report, said the four inter-urban expressway networks assessed are Kuala Lumpur-Bukit Kayu Hitam; Kuala Lumpur-Johor Baru; Kuala Lumpur-Kuantan and Kuantan-Terengganu.
"This is a positive result after road infrastructure safety improvements were put in to boost the safety level along the 2,370.2-kilometre assessed stretches," he said.
Aside from physical improvements to boost safety, Liow said it would require road users to comply with the speed limit to boost the star ratings from 52 per cent (before intervention) to more than 95 per cent of the assessed roads to secure the 3-star rating and above for safety.
This, he said, also showed that Malaysia was on the right track to secure the 3-star safety rating and above for 75 per cent of all its roads by 2020.
Also present at the event were Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and Miros director-general Professor Dr Wong Shaw Voon.
Wong said that as of April 2017, 65 locations along the assessed network of roads had undergone road improvement works. He said it took about six months to do the quick fix needed to boost road safety levels.
Earlier, Liow witnessed a signing ceremony between Miros and the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) to strengthen cooperation between the two parties in efforts to raise safety standards among road users.
"As we know, the liberalisation of motor insurance tariffs have taken effect on July 1 (Saturday)," he said.
Following the liberalisation, Liow said the amount of insurance premium one had to pay would be determined by risk factors, including the vehicle’s age, claims record and even traffic violation history.
"If you have low profile risk, you will enjoy a lower premium. This is a fair move to reward law-abiding road users."
Meanwhile, commenting on two Malindo Air aircraft that experienced technical issues recently, Liow said his ministry is still awaiting a report from the airline.
"Passenger safety is of paramount concern for the government. We are still awaiting a report on the matter."
It was reported that one Malindo aircraft was grounded in Delhi, India on June 25, after it was forced to divert there due to engine issues.
Another was grounded in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The flight was en route to Kuala Lumpur on June 27 when it returned to Dhaka because of a crack in the windshield.
To address these technical issues, Malindo Air had to reschedule its flights, which in turn, affected flights to other destinations.