Government Rules Out Motorcycle Lanes on All Federal Roads

The Works Ministry rules out motorcycle lanes on all Federal roads due to high costs but allocates RM20 million to upgrade lanes on the Federal Highway under the 12MP.

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The government has no immediate plans to build dedicated motorcycle lanes on all Federal roads due to the substantial costs involved, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has said.

In a written parliamentary reply on Thursday (Aug 7), Nanta explained that any future implementation would require a detailed feasibility study to determine necessity and viability.

The government has allocated RM20 million under Rolling Plan 5 of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) to upgrade existing motorcycle lanes along the Federal Highway (FT002) as part of ongoing efforts to improve motorcyclist safety.

“For more than a decade, we have built motorcycle lanes at selected locations along Federal roads. These include exclusive lanes that are physically separated from main carriageways, as well as non-exclusive lanes constructed on widened road shoulders,” he said.

The minister was responding to Hassan Saad (PN–Baling), who had asked whether the government intended to build dedicated lanes for motorcycles on major roads in light of the high accident rates involving motorcyclists.

Studies Needed Before Expansion

Nanta stressed that constructing new motorcycle lanes requires careful technical and financial consideration.

“Comprehensive studies are essential to prevent creating new conflicts on roads with multiple entry and exit points. Technical justifications must cover factors such as traffic volume, motorcycle composition, accident rates, and side friction scores,” he explained.

He added that decision-makers must also consider financial factors, including the high costs of construction, land acquisition, and utility relocation.

Nanta reiterated the government’s commitment to road safety, stating that the need for dedicated motorcycle lanes will continue to be studied to ensure the safety and comfort of all road users, especially motorcyclists.