30/07/2025

WEDNESDAY | JULY 30, 2025

3

Speed-limiting devices mandatory for heavy vehicles from October PETALING JAYA: Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook today reaffirmed that Speed Limitation Devices (SLD) will be compulsory for commercial vehicles starting Oct 1, as part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance road safety. “Implementation will begin this October, in phases. It will start with commercial vehicles registered from Jan 1, 2015, onwards.” doesn’t stop the engine.” He added that the phased approach will give older vehicles time to comply, with full enforce ment expected by July next year. measures, including stricter seatbelt checks on express and tour buses, mandatory rest stops for drivers and tighter inspections by Puspakom. Additionally, drivers involved in fatal accidents may face immediate licence suspension.

‘New law to protect elderly from neglect, abuse, scams’ Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Loke explained that the SLD, which limits a vehicle’s maximum speed via the electronic control unit does not cause the engine to shut down. “It only limits the speed electronically, not mechanically. It

The devices will be mandatory for goods vehicles exceeding 3,500kg, as well as passenger vehicles above 5,000kg or those with more than eight seats. Loke also outlined other

potential impact on motorists had the toll hikes not been deferred. On July 23, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government had agreed to postpone the planned toll rate increases as part of an “announcement of appreciation for Malaysians”, allowing users to continue paying the current rates. The highways included in the deferment are the MEX Expressway, South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), Senai–Desaru Expressway (SDE), Duta–Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE) and Kuala Lumpur–Kuala Selangor Expressway (Latar).– By Harith Kamal The move is part of the ministry’s strategy to reduce fatal accidents, particularly those involving heavy vehicles. – By Harith Kamal Nawi who asked whether a national policy would be introduced to protect children from cognitively damaging online content, such as toxic or “brain rot” videos. She also asked if the government had plans to support the production of local educational content for children. Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is taking a comprehensive approach to regulate harmful content and platform algorithms, especially on sites such as YouTube and TikTok. This includes regular engagement with service providers to improve algorithm transparency and ensure compliance with Malaysian laws. “Between Jan 1, 2022 and July 15 this year, MCMC requested the removal of 1,443 items of obscene or inappropriate content involving children under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. “From Jan 1, 2025, internet and social media service providers will also be required to apply for a Class Licence under the Act – a move aimed at holding platforms accountable for content moderation and algorithmic risks. (Class Licence is for certain types of online service providers, such as social media and internet messaging platforms). “These efforts are part of a larger push to build a safer, healthier internet ecosystem, especially for children and families.” He also urged for greater investment and stronger inter-agency collaboration to develop more child-friendly local content. Fahmi highlighted Durioo, a homegrown children’s content platform backed by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation as an example the government is keen to support. “I will ask Finas to explore ways to ramp up the creation of high-quality children’s content, particularly those that reflect our cultural values.”

Responding to Gerik MP Fathul Huzir Ayob in Parliament, Loke reiterated that the ruling would be implemented in stages.

PETALING JAYA: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is taking proactive steps to safeguard the well-being of Malaysia’s ageing population by introducing a new Elderly Persons Bill, Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said in Parliament yesterday. Responding to a question from Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Noraini said the proposed law will focus on safeguarding the rights and welfare of senior citizens, particularly from neglect, abuse and financial exploitation. “The ministry is currently reviewing the National Action Plan for Senior Citizens, with a key focus on scam-related fraud. Our aim is to nurture a generation of older Malaysians who are independent, respected and supported by their communities,” she said. Noraini added that targeted awareness programmes are being rolled out – especially in digital literacy – to help seniors falling victims of cyber crime. “These efforts also aim to strengthen awareness of existing legal protections and ensure they are effectively implemented at the grassroots level. “Ultimately, the success of any policy depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders including government agencies, local authorities, NGOs and the wider community,” she stressed, adding that the ministry believes that senior citizens should be protected from neglect and abuse, especially within the family setting. “In line with this, we are introducing a more comprehensive and structured legal framework through the Elderly Persons Bill.” Earlier, Wan Azizah cited findings from a June 2024 study showing that one in 10 elderly Malaysians had experienced financial abuse, often by their own family members. She questioned the effectiveness of current measures and called for the development of elderly-friendly neighbourhoods, similar to Singapore’s Kampung Admiralty. Kampung Admiralty is the republic’s first integrated public development that brings together a mix of public facilities and services under one roof – a living concept that combines senior housing with healthcare, social, communal, commercial and retail facilities.

Shielding children from digital harm

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Government proposes social media ban for under 13, ramps up pressure on platforms to clean up harmful, toxic content and protect young users: Fahmi

PETALING JAYA: The government may bar children under 13 from owning social media accounts as part of broader efforts to shield them from harmful online content, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil told Parliament yesterday. He said while most platforms already prohibit users below 13 from registering, it is observed that many children continue to bypass the restriction. “When we speak to pupils and ask if they have TikTok accounts, many will say yes. This is actually a

we want to make sure they receive digital literacy training so they can navigate the online world with caution and critical thinking. Not everything we see on social media is true, so we need to be careful.” Fahmi was responding to Tumpat MP Datuk Mumtaz Md

violation, and TikTok has admitted this.” He added that the government is currently studying regulatory mechanisms to ensure children under 13 are not allowed to sign up for social media platforms. “For those aged 13 and above,

PROTECTING YOUNG MINDS ONLINE ... Government mulls ban on social media accounts for children

under 13. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ /THESUN

Abolishing tolls not feasible, says minister PETALING JAYA: Abolishing highway tolls is not a simple solution as it would require the government to set aside billions of ringgit for highway maintenance and infrastructure, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. removed, the government must bear the cost of maintaining these highways and that figure runs into the billions.” He added that a more realistic and sustainable approach would be to reduce toll rates once highway concessionaires have recovered their return on investment (ROI). date to govern. However, Nanta said a complete removal may not be necessary if concessionaires have already recouped their investments.

significant gap between current toll rates and those outlined in concession agreements which permitted increases ranging from 50 sen to RM4.56, or a 79% to 83% hike. “For example, on the MEX Expressway, the toll rate set for 2025 is RM6.90, but users are currently paying RM3.50 per trip. “That’s a saving of RM6.80 for a round trip. “Over 20 working days, that amounts to RM136 in monthly savings, or RM1,632 annually.” Nanta was responding to a question from Pekan MP Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali on the

“Once the ROI has been achieved, we can revisit the rates, particularly if they are burdensome to the public.” In a related development, Nanta said the government’s move to postpone toll hikes at 10 highways is expected to benefit close to one million users, particularly Class 1 vehicle drivers. (Class 1 is the category for trucks, lorries or large and heavy commercial vehicles). He said the decision followed a

Replying to a supplementary question from Besut MP Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh, Nanta said the funds could be better allocated to develop infrastructure in states with limited highway access, such as Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak. “It’s not an easy move. If tolls are

Nanta’s remarks came in response to a question about the government’s 2022 manifesto pledge to abolish tolls. In the lead-up to the 2022 general election, Pakatan Harapan promised to eliminate tolls on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) if given the man