No decision yet on raising motorcycle licence age to 18, says Anthony Loke

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — As of now, the Malaysian government has not made a decision regarding raising the minimum age for obtaining a motorcycle licence, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke. The minister expressed that the ministry is currently evaluating the implications of raising the minimum age, which is currently set at 16.

Loke highlighted that this proposal, suggested by the Malaysian Road Safety Research Institute (Miros), has been a topic of discussion for years, but with both advantages and disadvantages to consider. He pointed out the challenge of secondary school students obtaining their licences if the minimum age were to be increased, as they would be unable to do so.

Additionally, Loke noted that some students as young as 13 or 14 are currently riding motorcycles without valid licences, which presents a significant issue. Miros chairman Professor Wong Shaw Voon emphasized the severity of the matter, citing instances of children as young as 12 riding motorcycles without proper licences, which could potentially lead to illegal street racing.