Malaysian Ministry Deliberates Automatic Motorcycle License Upgrades

Explore ongoing discussions within the Malaysian Transport Ministry regarding automatic upgrades for motorcycle licenses. Stay updated on potential changes to the licensing system and their implications.

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In a recent update from the Malaysian transport ministry, Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the proposal for the automatic upgrading of the B2-class motorcycle license to the full B motorcycle license is still under review. Despite studies having been conducted, the matter is currently undergoing further discussions within the ministry due to differing viewpoints.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke emphasized that there is yet to be a firm decision. The ongoing discussions are essential because the B-class license pertains to larger motorcycles. The ministry seeks to evaluate B2 license holders’ ability to handle larger motorcycles. It is taking into account concerns raised by different parties.

President of the Malaysian Driving Institute Association (PIMA), Mat Aris Bakar, has expressed reservations about the proposal. He suggested that it could potentially regress the country’s vehicle licensing system. Bakar’s concerns primarily revolve around the competency of riders holding a B2 license to handle larger motorcycles.

Road safety advocates, including Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, have called on the transport ministry to thoroughly study the proposal. They argue that the safety of motorcyclists and society at large is at stake. They are concerned that the automatic upgrade could have serious implications.

Last August, SAM President Datuk Abdul Halim Sulaiman proposed automatic upgrading. According to the suggestion, those with a B2 motorcycle license (with a limit of 250 cc) would automatically get the full class B license after three years. Such is provided they do not commit any serious traffic offences.

In November of the same year, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) deputy director-general (Planning and Operations) Aedy Fadly Ramli indicated that the B2-to-B license proposal was in its final stages of evaluation. The plan was set to be forwarded to Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi by the end of 2023. The fate of this proposal, however, remains pending as the discussions within the ministry continue.