Malaysia’s AI speed trap plan sparks anger, critics say deadly lorry crashes more pressing
The government says the AI-based system will enhance safety, while detractors argue trucks pose a greater threat, as shown by recent accidents
The government’s proposed Automated Awareness Safety System (Awas) would calculate a vehicle’s average speed by tracking the time taken to travel between tollgates. Those found exceeding the speed limit would be issued an automatic fine of up to 300 ringgit (US$70), without any human oversight.
Two pilot tests on accident-prone highways were initially scheduled to start in June but faced “technical delays”, a ministry spokesman told This Week in Asia on Tuesday, without elaborating on what the problems were. The ministry had also not set a deadline for when it wanted the system to go live, he added.
Still, public anger has not subsided, with many Malaysians saying the plan would unfairly penalise drivers while allowing larger – and more dangerous – road safety threats to persist.
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“There are so many other useful things that MoT can do, but they choose to carry out ridiculous things like this,” read a Facebook comment on a post discussing the speed trap system, referring to the Ministry of Transport by its acronym.
“Do they understand that accident statistics involving lorries are alarming? No solution in sight, only burdening the people.”