20/03/2026

LYFE FRIDAY | MAR 20, 2026

21 Put road safety first for Raya journeys

A S many Malaysians embark on their balik kampung journey to celebrate Hari Raya, the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (Piam) is advocating for proactive road safety measures. With an estimated 2.5 million vehicles expected to hit major highways, the general insurance industry is focused on digital preparedness and driver responsibility to curb the rising rate of road accidents. One motorist death occurs every 80 minutes Current data reveals a sobering statistic: One motorist death occurs every 80 minutes on Malaysian roads. Furthermore, human error accounts for eight out of every 10 accidents. “Road safety is a shared responsibility. We advise against using small-capacity motorcycles for long-distance travel, as riders and pillions continue to represent the highest number of fatalities. We encourage travellers to prioritise safety and vehicle readiness over speed, which is one of the top causes of a road accident,” said Piam CEO Chua Kim Soon. Human error: Top 8 causes To ensure a safe journey, motorists are encouraged to stay mindful of these high-risk factors: 1. Speeding 2. Using a mobile phone while driving 3. Distracted driving 4. Fatigue 5. Missed vehicle maintenance o As millions return to home towns, travellers should prepare for every contingency

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weekend trip” usually is not that quick. But with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) now over 91% complete and on track for commercial operations in January 2027, that balik kampung routine could look very different. The arrival of the first passenger train sets is also a clear sign this is moving beyond plans and into reality. So, what could this mean for everyday Malaysians? Here are five aggressive driving 7. Beating the red light 8. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol Four-point checklist this Raya At the start of planning your Raya journey, Piam recommends a quick review of your motor insurance policy to ensure seamless assistance, if needed. 1. Geographic location coverage Ensure your vehicle insurance includes coverage for the geographic locations you are driving to, especially if you are crossing borders to Thailand, Singapore and Brunei. You may need to extend your comprehensive motor insurance policy for driving outside the country (such as geographical extension to Thailand, Floor cover or Legal Liability to Passengers cover, which is compulsory in Singapore). 2. Additional named driver Check if your vehicle insurance covers additional drivers. If you have more than one person driving the vehicle, ensure they are named on the policy, or the coverage is on All Drivers basis to avoid the application of compulsory excess in the event of a claim. 3. Roadside assistance and towing Comprehensive coverage should include roadside assistance and towing. Review the policy wording to understand the benefits and download your insurer’s digital roadside assistance application beforehand. 4. Special perils Given the unpredictable weather, it is a good idea to include special perils coverage, for added protection in case of flash floods or weather-related incidents.

Motorists can take proactive steps to ensure a safe balik kampung journey.

Instead of mentally preparing for hours behind the wheel, the idea of boarding a comfortable train changes the whole mood of the trip. The ECRL will link Kota Bharu to Terminal Bersepadu Gombak, connecting the East Coast and the Klang Valley through a 665km rail line. When festive seasons come around, it could mean less stress over traffic and more energy saved for what matters: Family time, food and rest. 2. When Raya leave is tight, time matters Not everyone gets a long Raya break. For many working adults, leave is tight, and the hardest part is not the desire to go home, it is the time cost. When the journey takes most of the day, a “quick balik kampung ” can end up swallowing half your holiday. But a faster rail option could change that. If an express trip can bring Gombak to Kota Bharu down to around four hours, the journey becomes far more time-optimised: Insurers are ready To support the festive rush, member insurers have positioned tow trucks at strategic locations. The teams are prepared to provide 24/7 roadside assistance including quick repairs if possible and towing to an authorised workshop for various vehicle segments, such as private cars, motorcycles and EV vehicles. In the event of an accident or roadside emergency, traditional hotlines remain fully operational. However, Piam encourages policyholders to download their insurer’s digital roadside mobile application during the motor policy renewal phase. Having your vehicle and motor insurance

You could travel after work, spend more of Raya with family and still make a meaningful visit even with a short window off. Instead of choosing between rest and going home, next Raya could make it possible to do both. 3. Next Raya, plan the reunion, not the route The next Raya does not have to be just rushing home and rushing back. With smoother travel, it could also mean a proper family holiday or reunion trip – without the long-drive stress. The East Coast already has everything for an easy break – beaches, heritage towns, keropok lekor , laid-back cafes, slower mornings – it just often feels “too far” during peak Raya traffic. Better rail connectivity could bring it closer, making quick getaways, cousin reunions and family bonding much easier to plan. 4. More comfortable for families and the whole ‘rombongan’ Raya Train travel only feels “easy” if the little things are taken care of. And the ECRL trains are designed with practical features that matter in real life – policy number available at your fingertips is invaluable, particularly if a police report is required or if you need to verify coverage details on the spot. Safe travel tips Before starting on your Raya journey, consider these three key safety and insurance tips. 1. Plan your journey well 0 Schedule your drive time using navigation applications to stay informed of real-time traffic, route suggestions, weather conditions and rest areas for your breaks. 0 Download your insurer’s digital roadside assistance application for roadside assistance and keep a

When you are travelling with kids, elderly parents or the full Raya crew, pak long , mak ngah , tok wan , plus bags and gifts, those details really matter. They make the journey easier to manage and far less draining, so everyone arrives with energy left for Raya. 5. Serinya Raya tahun depan , with more ways to balik kampung Driving will always have its place, especially for road trips. But having a train option gives people flexibility. Imagine Serinya Raya tahun depan not starting with a long crawl on the highway, but with a calmer journey, arriving in time for the real Raya moments, family catch-ups, makan together and open house hopping. Some days, you want the freedom of a car. Other times, you want to sit back, scroll, nap, snack and arrive without the fatigue. The ECRL is not about replacing driving – it is about giving Malaysians another way to move depending on the moment, the season and the mood. hard motor insurance and road tax for easy reference in your glove compartment. 2. Check your vehicle 0 Inspect tires, brakes, lights and fluids level to ensure your vehicle is at optimal level. 0 Do not overload your car with passengers or luggage, as it can affect vehicle handling and safety. 3. Stay alert and rest regularly 0 Avoid distractions such as mobile phones and maintain a safe distance with other vehicles. 0 Take breaks every two hours to avoid fatigue, especially during long drives. copy of your

Headed east? ECRL could make balik kampung look different by 2027 RAMADAN always changes the travel rhythm. One minute you are planning buka puasa and bazaar runs, the next you are already thinking about balik kampung and road traffic getting heavier as Raya approaches. ways next year’s Raya journey home could feel easier: 1. Balik kampung feels less like endurance test toilets, luggage food and beverage counter, surau with ablution facilities, and special needs- friendly features. racks,

For most Malaysians, travelling from the Klang Valley to the East Coast is a familiar mental checklist: Leave at dawn or risk the jam, pack snacks for a long drive and accept that a “quick

Consider travelling from the Klang Valley to the East Coast via ECRL next year.