PUTRAJAYA: The implementation of the Asean New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) in the country, could greatly reduce the rate of motorvehicle accidents in the country in the long run.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said this is because the safety rating standards would enable consumers, in this case, car owners and drivers to be aware of the safety aspects of their cars.
The Asean NCAP is an automobile safety rating program jointly established by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and the Global New Car Assessment Program (Global NCAP) which is expected to elevate vehicle safety standards, raise consumer awareness as well as encourage a market to use safer vehicles in the region.
The Asean NCAP which will be launched on March 1, this year, will be carried out on a voluntary basis. However, it will be made mandatory for car producers, beginning March 1, 2020.
“The implementation is apt and at the right time because the accident rate in Malaysia has reached 500,000 accidents in a year, and the number keeps increasing.
"And about 7,000 people have lost their lives due to these accidents. Therefore this initiative is hoped to reduce the number of accidents including fatal accidents,” he added.
He earlier launched the Asean NCAP Labelling Compliance Guidelines and once it is made mandatory next year, failure to display the rating label would result in penalty under the ministry’s Trade Descriptions Act 2011.
He said car manufacturers must fulfil the requirements of the labeling guidelines which was launched today as it will be an added advantage to consumers, in determining the safety of their cars.
Beginning March 1 this year, car manufacturers are encouraged to display the rating of the car according to the evaluation given by the Asean NCAP.
This is based on the outcome of the vehicle test approval which comprises a crash test, child occupant protection assessment, adult occupant protection and safety assist, among others.
Five-star assessment will be given to vehicles which scored between 75 per cent and 100 per cent, four-star for vehicles which scored between 65 per cent and 75 per cent and three-star for vehicles with ratings of between 50 per cent and 65 per cent.
Saifuddin said the labels based on ratings must be displayed on the front mirror and the side mirror of the vehicle and motor vehicles which did not undergo any test by Asean NCAP, must also indicate that it did not take the test.
“Car manufacturers who are found to have displayed bogus labels without taking the tests,will be liable to a fine of RM100,000 for private vehicles and RM250,000 for company vehicles, and a jail term of not more than three years under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011,” he added.