Inspector General Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar’s proposal to ban motorcycles from entering a particular part of cities which will be categorized as “safe zone” is a drastic proposal that is irrational and unjust to motorcyclist. In fact, this proposal is discriminatory towards motorcyclists in Malaysia.
As a motorcyclist myself, I am against this proposal definitely not only because it is irrational, unjust and discriminatory, I also opine that it doesn’t help in reducing street crime.
It is an irrational and unreasonable proposal as though Polis DiRaja Malaysia (PDRM) has failed to combat criminal activities and has reached a point to even ban motorcycles from entering the city. If this is an acceptable logic, the police should have forbidden the usage of weaponry like parang and knife which can be misused for criminal activities.
This proposal is irrational and unreasonable, as it will affect part of the service sector in the cities such as courier service, delivery services and postal services. How then will the letters, documents and courier items be delivered on time to addresses in “safe zone” without motorcycles?
This is an unjust proposal because it will affect the lower range income earners and workforce. They have to rely on lightweight vehicles like motorcycle for transportation purpose from home to work and vice versa every day. This is due to the fact that motorcycle remains a relatively cheaper, competent and efficient mode of transportation for the lower range income earners who are living from hand to mouth and has been pressured by the rising cost of living. This proposal further aggravates the fact when this workforce is not able to depend on Malaysia’s public transport that is at its old notch.
Also, this proposal is a form of discrimination towards motorcyclists. Why do the motorcyclists have to be blamed whereas there are alternative measures that could solve this issue? For example, the government has to build more motorcycle lanes in cities so that pedestrians can be separated from motorcycles. Wouldn’t this be more effective and efficient in reducing street crimes?
In fact, many more motorcycle lanes have to be built to separate motorcyclist from other road users to reduce motorcyclists death toll.
When Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar mentioned that there are a few cities in other countries that ban motorcycles entrance into the city, a question in mind appeared. Whether this ban is meant for the same purpose? If yes, he has to provide the name of these cities. The second question that has to be answered in affirmative is whether such measure is efficient in reducing street crimes?
Perhaps, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar has to provide a detailed explanation about the proposal before he proceeds with deliberation and further implementation by other government agencies. If not, it will only invite further criticisms from motorcyclists. Lau Weng San
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