Transport Ministry reviews law to enforce 30km/h speed limit in school zones nationwide for student safety

PETALING JAYA: The Transport Ministry is reviewing amendments to the Rules under the Road Transport Act 1987 to introduce a 30km/h speed limit in school zones nationwide.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the proposed amendments are being carried out comprehensively, involving relevant ministries and agencies.

They include the Ministry of Works Malaysia, Public Works Department Malaysia, Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia, PLANMalaysia, Ministry of Education Malaysia, the police and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research.

Responding to Kalam Salan (PN–Sabak Bernam), who asked about enforcement mechanisms to reduce the current maximum speed limit of 50km/h to 30km/h in school zones, Loke said that once the new limit is gazetted, legal action may be taken under existing provisions of the Act.

He noted that the government, through the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion (JKMKKJR) chaired by the deputy prime minister, agreed on July 15, 2024 to adopt the 30km/h limit in school zones as a national policy to enhance the safety of students and the school community.

“In terms of implementation and enforcement, the ministry is reviewing amendments to the Rules under the Road Transport Act 1987 to specifically provide for the 30km/h limit in school zones,” he said in a written parliamentary reply.

Enforcement will be conducted through integrated operations in selected school areas, the installation of new speed limit signboards and clear road markings, the use of automated enforcement cameras subject to suitability of location, as well as periodic monitoring during peak school hours.

Loke added that the government will also roll out the Safe School Zone Project, a pilot initiative targeting high-risk schools to support the policy.

Physical measures under the initiative include lane narrowing, the construction of pavements, raised pedestrian crossings, refuge islands and medians, as well as improvements to signboards and street furniture.

He expressed confidence that the combined approach of engineering, education and enforcement would reduce the risk of serious injuries and fatalities in school areas, in line with the aspirations of the Malaysia Road Safety Plan 2022–2030.

 The Sun Malaysia