Works Ministry Considers Motorcycle Lanes on New Highways

The Works Ministry is exploring dedicated motorcycle lanes on new highways to improve rider safety and reduce accident-related fatalities.

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The Works Ministry is exploring the possibility of constructing dedicated motorcycle lanes on new highways in a bid to enhance road safety and reduce the alarming number of motorcycle-related fatalities in Malaysia.

Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the proposal, though potentially costlier, is a necessary investment to safeguard motorcyclists and ensure long-term infrastructure sustainability.

“We are well aware of the statistics from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), which show that motorcycle accidents contribute significantly to road fatalities in Malaysia. If we are serious about addressing this issue, we must begin incorporating safer infrastructure from the planning stage,” Nanta said.

He was speaking to reporters after officiating the South Korea-Malaysia Road and Construction Technology Cooperation Seminar held on Tuesday. Also attending the seminar was South Korea’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Yeo Seung-bae.

Nanta acknowledged that implementing motorcycle lanes on existing highways—particularly elevated stretches—poses structural challenges. However, the Ministry has been working with concessionaires like PLUS Malaysia Berhad to improve safety in other ways. Among these are designated shelter areas for riders to seek refuge during bad weather.

“Many riders stop under bridges or along emergency lanes when it rains, which puts them in dangerous positions. We have seen tragic cases where they were struck by vehicles during poor visibility conditions. Designated shelters are a step in mitigating such risks,” he said.

In addressing complaints from motorcyclists regarding navigation inaccuracies when using dedicated lanes, the Minister noted the concern and urged technology providers to collaborate on developing more accurate solutions.

The one-day seminar focused on sharing advanced road and construction technologies and policy insights between Malaysia and South Korea. Organised jointly by the South Korean Embassy, the Works Ministry, and the International Contractors Association of Korea (ICAK), the event drew over 130 participants, including government officials, researchers, and industry representatives.

Nanta emphasised that safety must remain at the core of Malaysia’s infrastructure agenda as the country moves forward with its development goals.