Works Ministry ramps up road safety with 400 planned shelters and dedicated lanes after motorcyclists accounted for most of last year’s fatal crashes.

PETALING JAYA: More than 4,300 motorcyclists died on Malaysian roads in 2025, prompting the Works Ministry to ramp up safety measures, including doubling the number of dedicated shelters for riders.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi told the Dewan Negara that over 200 motorcycle shelters have been built, with a target of 400 in the near future.

“We have introduced, together with highway concessionaires, motorcycle lanes for new highways. However, many existing highways were built in earlier years, so widening is not always possible.

“We have built more than 200 shelters and our target is 400 so that motorcyclists do not have to stop under trees or flyovers, which can be dangerous.”

He was responding to Senator Datuk Dr Mustafa Musa, who raised concerns about rider safety and road upkeep.

Mustafa cited Transport Ministry data showing that out of 6,537 fatal road crashes in 2025, 4,340 involved motorcycles, and asked how road improvements could better protect riders.

On road complaints, Nanta said only about 30% of the 54,055 issues logged via MyJalan as of January involved roads under the Works Ministry and its agencies, with the remaining 70% under state governments, local authorities and other agencies.

He added that district engineers are tasked with addressing hazards, such as water puddles and faded lane markings, through preventive maintenance and strict key performance indicators.

“The Public Works Department will act on complaints within 24 hours, especially for matters that could reduce accident risks.”

He said increased road maintenance allocations this year would help ensure pavement conditions remain optimal for road users.

 The Sun Malaysia