Malaysia to Enforce ABS Law for Motorcycles over 150cc in 2025

Starting January 2025, Malaysia will require all new motorcycles over 150cc to be equipped with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) to enhance road safety and reduce accidents.

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Beginning January 1, 2025, all new motorcycles in Malaysia with engine capacities of 150cc and above must have Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS). Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced during the 2024 Asian Road Safety Conference (CARS) in Kuala Lumpur.

Reducing Motorcycle Accidents

This decision is part of Malaysia’s broader efforts to reduce road accidents. Motorcyclists accounted for 65% of road fatalities in the country last year. Zahid emphasized that motorcyclists’ safety must be prioritized.

“We need to focus on motorcyclists’ safety. Starting January 1, 2025, all new motorcycles with engine capacities of 150cc and above will need ABS,” he said. Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim attended the event, showing their support.

ABS Reduces Fatalities by 31%

Zahid referenced a World Health Organization (WHO) report. ABS technology can reduce fatal motorcycle accidents by 31%. Despite improvements, Malaysia remains among the countries with high road fatality rates. The fatality rate dropped from 27 per 100,000 people in 2000 to 22.5 in 2019.

“Given this, I believe this initiative will significantly lower the number of road deaths in Malaysia,” Zahid added. He hopes other ASEAN countries will follow Malaysia’s example to make motorcycles safer.

ABS Law Applies to New Motorcycles Only

This new law will only affect motorcycles sold from January 2025 onward. Older motorcycles will not need to be retrofitted with ABS. The focus is on improving safety for future motorcycle purchases.

Expanding Safety Ratings with MyMAP

In addition to the ABS requirement, Zahid proposed expanding the Motorcycle Assessment Program (MyMAP). The program assigns safety ratings to motorcycles. MyMAP currently evaluates 28 models from seven manufacturers. Zahid suggested extending MyMAP to cover all of ASEAN or Asia.

Why ABS Is Crucial

ABS is a vital safety feature for motorcycles. It prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing riders to maintain control. ABS reduces the risk of skidding and crashing, especially on wet roads. This gives riders better stability and more control in emergencies. It ultimately reduces the severity of potential accidents.

Moving Forward Towards Safer Roads

Malaysia’s ABS law aims to make roads safer for motorcyclists. With this new regulation, the government hopes to lower the country’s high accident rates. Combining this law with expanded safety assessments like MyMAP is part of a larger strategy to improve road safety.