VTAREC and Enforcement Agencies Unite Participants of the VTAREC and Enforcement Agencies Seminar in Penang explored innovative strategies to combat human error in road accidents.
PULAU PINANG, 16 December 2024: As part of its continuous efforts to enhance road safety and address vehicle theft, the Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTAREC) organised a seminar in collaboration with various government and non-government agencies. The participating agencies included the Malaysian Red Crescent Society Penang Branch (PBSM Pulau Pinang), Penang Fire and Rescue Department (Jabatan Bomba Pulau Pinang), Penang Civil Defence Force (Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Pulau Pinang), Seberang Perai City Council (Majlis Bandaraya Seberang Perai), Penang Freight Forwarders Association, Northern Region Land Public Transport Agency (Agensi Pengangkutan Awam Darat Wilayah Utara Pulau Pinang), Penang Island City Council (Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang), Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ Pulau Pinang), Penang Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department (Jabatan Siasatan dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik IPK Pulau Pinang), District Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department (IPD Pulau Pinang), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM Pulau Pinang) and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK Pulau Pinang).
The seminar focused on fostering collaboration and exploring innovative strategies to address human error in road accidents while also strengthening efforts to combat vehicle theft.
The seminar took place at Hotel Angsana Teluk Bahang, Pulau Pinang, and was met with great anticipation.
YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid, Coordinator of the Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTAREC), extended a warm welcome to all stakeholders during her opening address at the seminar.
The roster of speakers, each of whom delivered their respective presentations.
Professionals from various agencies were invited to share their insights and deliver presentations at the seminar. The notable speakers who participated were:
- YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid, Co-ordinator Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTAREC).
- YBhg Prof Madya Dr Lilis Surienty Abd Talib, Profesor Madya Pusat Pengajian Pengurusan Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
- YDH Insp Puan Erma Yanti Abdul Rahim, Insp Audit Siasatan dan Perundangan Jabatan Siasatan dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik (JSPT) Ibu Pejabat Kontijen Pulau Pinang.
- YBrs Puan Azline Azizan, Ketua Unit Keselamatan Jalan Raya Jabatan Keselamatan Jalan Raya, Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) Negeri Pulau Pinang.
- YBrs Encik Shah Rizan Ladode, Pegawai Pencegahan Agensi Anti Dadah Kebangsaan (AADK) Negeri Pulau Pinang.
YDH Insp Puan Erma Yanti Abdul Rahim, Insp Audit Siasatan dan Perundangan Jabatan Siasatan dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik (JSPT) Ibu Pejabat Kontijen Pulau Pinang, delivered the opening presentation on fatal road accidents.
In her presentation, YDH Insp Puan Erma Yanti Abdul Rahim addressed the ongoing issue of road accidents by providing a detailed analysis of their recurrence and presenting annual statistics to highlight the frequency and severity of such incidents. She emphasised the alarming trend of rising accidents and the need for stronger preventive measures, clearly outlining the pressing challenges faced by road safety authorities.
She also discussed various operations (OPS) conducted by the Jabatan Siasatan ddan Penguatkuasaan Trafik (JSPT) to curb road accidents. These operations are aimed at enforcing traffic laws and increasing public awareness of road safety. In addition, she presented a video of a recent accident, highlighting the tragic consequences of such incidents and reinforcing the importance of continuous efforts to reduce accidents and protect lives.
YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid, Co-ordinator Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTAREC), as the second speaker delivering her sharing on “Potensi Kecurian & Kebakaran Melibatkan EV”.
In her address, she warmly welcomed all attendees to the seminar and emphasised the critical issue of lawless behaviour in vehicle theft, highlighting its potential role in contributing to broader criminal activities within the country. She noted the encouraging decline in vehicle theft cases over the years, attributing this progress to the unwavering commitment of enforcement agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ). She also expressed her gratitude to the insurance industry and other key stakeholders for their continuous collaboration in efforts to curb vehicle theft, as well as to all parties involved in making the seminar a success.
She then shifted her focus to the emerging challenges associated with electric vehicles (EVs), which are becoming increasingly popular in Malaysia. She highlighted that while EVs offer significant environmental and economic benefits, they also introduce new risks on the road, including fire hazards involving lithium-ion batteries during accidents, as well as the increased theft of valuable components such as batteries and charging cables.
To address these issues, she advocated for the implementation of advanced safety measures and robust anti-theft strategies, including enhanced locking systems and tracking technologies. She also emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community organisations to ensure the safe integration of EVs into Malaysia’s transportation landscape, ultimately supporting a secure and sustainable EV ecosystem.
YBhg. Prof. Madya Dr Lilis Surienty Abd Talib, Associate Professor from the School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), delivered her presentation on “Community-based Approach for Safer Commuting for Employees Riding Motorcycles to Work: Evidence-based Practices”.
Prof. Madya Dr Lilis emphasised the widespread use of motorcycles among the workforce and the associated risks involved. She highlighted the importance of adopting a community-centric approach to address these safety concerns, advocating for collaborative efforts between employers, local authorities, and commuters to create a safer commuting environment.
She also presented a range of evidence-based practices proven to reduce motorcycle-related accidents and improve overall commuter safety. Among the key strategies discussed were the implementation of comprehensive safety training programmes, the development of dedicated motorcycle lanes, and the promotion of regular vehicle maintenance checks. Additionally, she underscored the role of technology in monitoring traffic patterns and providing real-time safety alerts to riders.
By leveraging these approaches, Prof. Madya Dr Lilis demonstrated how a community-based framework can significantly enhance the safety and well-being of employees who rely on motorcycles for their daily commute, ultimately contributing to a safer and more efficient transportation ecosystem.
YBrs Puan Azline Azizan, Ketua Unit Keselamatan Jalan Raya Jabatan Keselamatan Jalan Raya, Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Negeri Pulau Pinang delivered her presentation titled “Bersama Membudayakan Keselamatan Jalan Raya Penunggangan Motosikal Yang Selamat”.
YBrs Puan Azline Azizan, Head of the Road Safety Unit at the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Penang, emphasised the urgent need to improve road safety for motorcyclists in her presentation titled “Bersama Membudayakan Keselamatan Jalan Raya: Penunggangan Motosikal Yang Selamat”.
She highlighted alarming statistics showing that motorcyclists account for 67% of road fatalities, with 6,473 deaths recorded in 2023. To address this issue, she advocated for comprehensive safety measures, including the consistent use of helmets and protective gear, maintaining valid documentation such as driving licences and insurance, and ensuring regular motorcycle maintenance, particularly of brakes, tyres, and lights. She also encouraged safe riding practices such as planning routes to avoid heavy traffic, adhering to speed limits and traffic signals, and exercising caution during adverse weather conditions.
In addition, she addressed common risky behaviours contributing to high fatality rates, including using mobile phones while riding, riding without helmets, and disregarding traffic regulations. She urged motorcyclists to foster a culture of safety and responsibility by embracing the motto “Drive carefully, arrive safely” as a guiding principle in their daily commutes.
YBrs Puan Azline also stressed the importance of continuous education and awareness efforts supported by relevant organisations and enforcement agencies, to create a safer environment for all motorcyclists and reduce road fatalities nationwide.
YBrs Encik Shah Rizan Ladode, Pegawai Pencegahan Agensi Anti Dadah Kebangsaan Negeri Pulau Pinang, delivered his presentation titled “Cabaran Penagihan Dadah”.
YBrs Encik Shah Rizan Ladode, Officer of Drug Prevention at the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Penang, delivered a compelling presentation on “Cabaran Penagihan Dadah” (Challenges in Drug Rehabilitation).
He highlighted alarming statistics for 2024, revealing that Malaysia recorded 148,015 drug users, with 72,148 individuals aged between 15 and 39 years. Among these users, 69.8% were dependent on amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), 24.2% on opiates, and 3.8% on cannabis. YBrs Encik Shah emphasised that poor working conditions, long hours, weak supervision, and repetitive tasks are significant risk factors contributing to drug abuse. These issues not only affect individual well-being but also have serious implications for road safety, including reduced cognitive function, unstable emotions, impaired vehicle control, and an increased risk of road accidents.
He further outlined the severe legal consequences associated with drug-related offences, particularly those involving road users. Driving under the influence of drugs may result in up to five years of imprisonment and fines ranging from RM8,000 to RM20,000. He also noted that drug possession carries strict penalties under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
YBrs Encik Shah stressed the importance of comprehensive drug prevention strategies and effective rehabilitation programmes to mitigate these risks. By addressing the root causes of drug abuse and enforcing strict legal measures, he advocated for a safer and more responsible driving environment in Malaysia. His presentation highlighted the urgent need for collaboration between government agencies, employers, and communities in combating drug abuse and enhancing road safety nationwide.
Among the participants who actively engaged in the
Q&A Session: Innovative Strategies to Combat Human Error in Road Accidents.
Seminar.
Puan Putri Nur Shahirah Mohd Rodzi, Executive of Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTAREC), presented a memento to one of the participants during the Q&A session.
YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid, Co-ordinator of Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTAREC), presented a memento to YBrs Encik Shah Rizan Ladode, Pegawai Pencegahan Agensi Anti Dadah Kebangsaan (AADK) Negeri Pulau Pinang, during the Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTAREC) Seminar.
YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid, Co-ordinator of Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTAREC) presented a memento to representative for YBhg Prof Madya Dr Lilis Surienty Abd Talib, Profesor Madya Pusat Pengajian Pengurusan Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), during the Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTAREC) Seminar.
YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid, Co-ordinator of Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTAREC) presented a memento to YDH Insp Puan Erma Yanti Abdul Rahim, Insp Audit Siasatan dan Perundangan Jabatan Siasatan dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik (JSPT) Ibu Pejabat Kontijen Pulau Pinang during the Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTAREC) Seminar.
