From left: YBrs Puan Suhaily Md Noh, Head of General Takaful Technical and Program Management at the Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA), YDH ACP Tuan Foo Chek Seng, Deputy Head of the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK), Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid, Co-ordinator of VTAREC during the FB Live session in Kuala Lumpur.
KUALA LUMPUR, 18 March 2026: In conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, the Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTAREC) organised a 30-minute Facebook (FB) Live session titled “Bahaya Menggunakan Telefon Bimbit Semasa Memandu” to raise public awareness on the dangers of using mobile phones while driving and to encourage motorists to practise safer driving habits during the busy festive travel period.
The session was moderated by VTAREC’s Co-ordinator, YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid and featured two panellists YDH ACP Tuan Foo Chek Seng, Deputy Head of the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK), Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and YBrs Puan Suhaily Md Noh, Head of General Takaful Technical and Program Management at the Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA). The discussion focused on educating road users about the risks associated with mobile phone usage while driving, particularly as millions of vehicles are expected to be on the road for various travel purposes during the festive season. In addition to sharing their professional insights, the panellists also addressed questions submitted by members of the public during the live session.
VTAREC’s Co-ordinator, YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid, moderating the FB Live session with featured panellists, YDH ACP Tuan Foo Chek Seng, Deputy Head of the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK), Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and YBrs Puan Suhaily Md Noh, Head of General Takaful Technical & Program Management at the Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA).
YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid opened the session by highlighting that the Hari Raya period typically sees a significant increase in traffic volume as many people travel to their hometowns for celebrations. She cited findings from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), which identified mobile phone usage as one of the eight major contributing factors to road accidents in Malaysia. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening public awareness and encouraging responsible driving behaviour, especially during peak travel periods.
YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid, Co-ordinator of VTAREC, leading the discussion as moderator during the FB Live session.
From a law enforcement perspective, YDH ACP Tuan Foo Chek Seng emphasised that most drivers are already aware of traffic laws, yet violations continue to occur due to human behaviour and attitudes. He stressed that road users share the responsibility of maintaining safety on public roads and should not rely solely on enforcement presence to follow traffic regulations. He explained that safe driving requires both hands to remain on the steering wheel to ensure vehicle stability, noting that using a mobile phone while driving significantly reduces control and increases the risk of accidents. He further explained that the danger becomes even greater when drivers attempt to think about responses during phone conversations while simultaneously operating a vehicle.
YDH ACP Tuan Foo Chek Seng, Deputy Head of the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK), Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), sharing his insights during the VTAREC FB Live session.
YDH ACP Tuan Foo Chek Seng, Deputy Head of the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK), Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), answering a question by YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid, Co-ordinator of VTAREC during the FB Live session.
YDH ACP Tuan Foo Chek Seng also highlighted that offences involving mobile phone usage while driving are often treated as compoundable offences, meaning offenders can pay fines without further legal action. However, during special enforcement operations such as Ops Selamat, such offences may become non-compoundable, requiring offenders to appear in court, where penalties are determined by a magistrate. He concluded by stressing that while fines can be paid, human lives cannot be replaced, reminding motorists to prioritise safety above convenience.
YBrs Puan Suhaily Md Noh, Head of General Takaful Technical & Program Management, Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA), sharing her perspectives during the VTAREC FB Live session.
Providing the perspective of the insurance industry, YBrs Puan Suhaily Md Noh explained that insurance and takaful coverage are designed to protect individuals against unforeseen incidents. She emphasised that drivers must not only consider their own safety but also the safety of passengers and other road users. She provided an example of public transport vehicles, such as buses carrying large numbers of passengers, where a single mistake caused by mobile phone distraction could lead to severe consequences.
She further clarified that insurance claims may be rejected if investigations determine that an accident resulted from reckless behaviour, such as using a mobile phone while driving. In such cases, insurance companies may appoint claim investigators to determine the cause of the accident. If negligence is proven, the insurer has the legal right to deny compensation. She noted that while drivers may deny responsibility, enforcement authorities and insurers have mechanisms to verify evidence and determine liability.
During the session, YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid asked YDH ACP Tuan Foo Chek Seng to share advice for individuals who may be less aware of road safety responsibilities. In response, he encouraged drivers not to assume that road safety is someone else’s problem. He explained that accidents can result in permanent consequences, including injuries that may prevent individuals from returning to their previous physical condition. He urged motorists to focus on the road, remain attentive while driving and avoid actions that may lead to regret later.
YBrs Puan Suhaily Md Noh explaining insurance policy implications and how mobile phone usage while driving may affect insurance claims, answering a question forwarded by YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid.
Adding to this point, YBrs Puan Suhaily Md Noh reminded viewers that insurance protection only becomes relevant after an accident occurs. Therefore, prevention remains the most effective approach. She advised drivers to plan their journeys in advance, such as checking navigation routes before starting their trip, rather than attempting to perform multiple tasks while driving. She also encouraged motorists to consider the responsibility of protecting passengers travelling with them.
When asked what single factor could help reduce mobile phone usage while driving, both panellists agreed that driver attitude plays a critical role. YDH ACP Tuan Foo Chek Seng stated that changing drivers’ mindset is essential to improving road safety, emphasising that compliance with traffic laws should not depend on the presence of enforcement officers. He warned that careless driving behaviour could result in fatal accidents, potentially causing drivers to unintentionally take the lives of others on the road.
YBrs Puan Suhaily Md Noh added that modern vehicle technology can assist drivers in maintaining safe driving practices. She explained that many newer vehicles are equipped with safety features that can detect unsafe driving behaviour, such as unintended lane changes or erratic driving patterns. Some vehicles are also capable of automatically slowing down or advising drivers to take a rest when signs of fatigue are detected. She encouraged motorists to make full use of these safety technologies to support responsible driving behaviour.
Several questions were also raised by members of the public during the Facebook Live session. One viewer asked whether the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) would support mobile phone technology that automatically locks devices while driving. In response, YDH ACP Tuan Foo Chek Seng stated that enforcement authorities would support any technology designed to improve road safety, although he noted that individuals often attempt to find ways to bypass safety measures despite their intended benefits.
Another viewer asked whether the use of hands-free devices is completely safe while driving. YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid responded by explaining that while hands-free devices may reduce certain physical risks, they do not eliminate distraction entirely. She reiterated that drivers still need to think about conversations while driving, which can divert attention from the road. She emphasised that driving should not be treated as a multitasking activity.
In response to a question about common mobile phone-related driving offences, YDH ACP Tuan Foo Chek Seng explained that the most frequent violation involves answering incoming calls while driving, as many drivers feel compelled to respond immediately when their phones ring. YBrs Puan Suhaily Md Noh added that some drivers also engage in more dangerous behaviour, such as watching videos while driving, which significantly increases accident risk.
Another question addressed how insurance companies assess drivers with accident histories related to mobile phone usage. YBrs Puan Suhaily Md Noh explained that under the liberalisation phase of insurance and takaful contributions, premiums are calculated based on driver risk profiles. Drivers who submit multiple claims, especially those involving negligence such as mobile phone usage while driving, may be subject to additional charges, commonly referred to as premium loading. She advised motorists to avoid risky behaviour in order to maintain lower insurance costs and ensure continued eligibility for coverage.
The session ended with YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid expressing her appreciation to YDH ACP Tuan Foo Chek Seng and YBrs Puan Suhaily Md Noh for taking the time to participate in the discussion and share their professional insights with the public. She also expressed hope that increased public awareness and responsible driving behaviour would contribute to a reduction in road accidents during the upcoming Hari Raya festive season.
VTAREC staff, featured panellists and their assistants in a group photo after the FB Live session.
YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid presenting the appreciation plaque to YDH ACP Tuan Foo Chek Seng.
YBrs Puan Mas Tina Abdul Hamid presenting the appreciation plaque to YBrs Puan Suhaily Md Noh.
