Not a ‘fast lane’: Miros tells Malaysian motorists to keep left, overtake right

Malaysian motorists are being advised to keep left and overtake on the right, according to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros). The left-most lane is designated for normal travel, while the middle lane can be utilized for moderate speeds and overtaking slower traffic in the left lane. The right-most lane is primarily intended for overtaking, but not for cruising at the maximum speed limit.

Director of the Road Safety Engineering and Environment Research Centre, Rizati Hamidun, emphasized that the right-most lane is not a fast lane for all vehicles. Motorists should respect the purpose of each lane, which is to maintain order and safety on the road. Using the right indicator to prompt another driver to move is not recommended, as signals are meant to communicate an intention to turn or change lanes.

Miros' advice aligns with Rule 4 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959, which mandates slower vehicles to remain as close to the left as possible without obstructing faster traffic. Rule 4A also prohibits goods vehicles and public service vehicles from continuously using the extreme right lane, except for overtaking. Violating these rules can lead to congestion and hinder the smooth flow of traffic.