27/04/2026

MONDAY | APR 27, 2026

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‘In-cabin cameras for buses may not fix reckless driving’

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Calls to make in-cabin cameras mandatory on express buses are mounting after yet another case of reckless driving, but experts say the move risks becoming a superficial fix unless deeper enforcement failures are addressed. The latest incident saw an express bus driver detained after footage showed him driving dangerously while carrying passengers. Police later confirmed he tested positive for methamphetamine, intensifying concerns over how driver conduct is monitored in real time. The episode has once again thrust in-cabin cameras into focus – a measure long debated but still not enforced. Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said the recurring nature of such incidents reflects an enforcement system that remains largely reactive. “From the point of view of transport policy, the trend mentioned indicates an enforcement policy based on reacting to incidents. “If intervention on safety relies heavily on evidence gathered after something has happened, namely public complaints, videos and crash reports, this suggests the system fails to monitor risks on a continuous basis, particularly for commercial passenger transport in which the risk level is relatively higher.”

o Recorded videos ineffective without active monitoring and supervisory system: Academic

“For Malaysia to make its mark in safety, what is needed is not another technological breakthrough, but a shift in its regulatory paradigm.” He called for a mandatory, standardised framework integrating telematics, driver monitoring and regulatory oversight into a real-time system. “This would allow regulators and operators to detect unsafe practices early and prevent escalation through timely intervention.” “Adding cameras without such a system would achieve little. “It is not about technology; it is about adopting a systematic, proactive approach that enforces accountability.” The Transport Ministry has previously said it is exploring telematics solutions for buses and heavy vehicles, including proof-of concept trials. However, as incidents continue to surface, the question remains whether enforcement is able to shift from reacting to crises to preventing them altogether.

notifications.” However, he emphasised that technology cannot detect everything, underscoring the need for additional safeguards such as pre-shift or random drug testing. Law also said driver behaviour must be viewed within a broader structural context. “The factors that contribute to crashes, such as fatigue, distraction and risky behaviour, are very much part of bus safety. “However, the factors are often inseparable from the structural setting within which drivers operate.” He pointed to long working hours, tight schedules, weak enforcement of rest periods and incentive structures as pressures that may push drivers towards unsafe conduct. “Therefore, when we speak about behaviour being responsible for a crash, we should examine both the behaviour and its underlying causes.” He said ultimately, Malaysia does not lack technology, but rather a coherent system to deploy it effectively.

However, he cautioned against over-reliance on technology alone. “It should be noted that cameras do not have much of an effect by themselves. “Unless an active monitoring and supervisory system is in place, the technology would not work effectively; passive cameras recording the driving process for later analysis have minimal preventative capability.” He said the limitations are evident in cases such as the recent incident, in which the driver was allegedly under the influence of drugs. “These provide only partial remedies and not a full solution to the issue at hand. “Telematic technologies such as speed tracking, heavy braking, lane departure monitoring and in-vehicle cameras could help detect unsafe driving behaviour and issue warning

He added that enforcement remains fragmented, with little coordination between agencies and no meaningful integration of real-time data. “In the case of Malaysia, there appears to be inconsistency among agencies involved in enforcing laws in commercial passenger transport operations, as there is no integration of real-time data such as telematics.” Law said while in-cabin cameras are often touted as a quick solution, he emphasised their effectiveness is conditional, not automatic. “The data is somewhat inconclusive, however, leaning towards support with some caveats.” He added that when paired with AI-powered driver monitoring systems, cameras could help curb distracted driving, mobile phone use and failure to wear seatbelts.

Insufficient vehicles hindering free bus service

Crisis support for 5,900 laid-off in March PETALING JAYA: A total of 5,900 Malaysians lost their jobs in March, prompting the Human Resources Ministry to roll out crisis support measures to stabilise the labour market, said its minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. He said the ministry would launch a series of initiatives in conjunction with Labour Day on May 1 to address the impact of global supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty. Workers in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur were among the worst affected by the recent layoffs. Ramanan explained that the measures would include improvements to the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800), aimed at enhancing social protection and providing easier access to reskilling and upskilling programmes. “The improvements are expected to provide more comprehensive benefits to workers. This effort is a critical step to redeploy workers to more stable employment sectors, thus reducing pressure on the national labour market,” he said in a statement during his visit to the MYFutureJobs Premium Career Carnival 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. He added that the ministry would also conduct outreach tours to universities nationwide to engage prospective graduates, understand their challenges and provide career guidance, dialogue sessions and job matching. “Our aim is to ensure local talent remains relevant and resilient in a challenging economy.” Ramanan also said MYFutureJobs this year targets helping more than 200,000 job seekers secure employment. At the Premium Career Carnival, which runs for two days, over 10,000 job opportunities are being offered with salaries ranging from RM3,000 to RM16,000. The manufacturing and services sectors are among those providing the most openings. In a related development, Human Resources Deputy Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan announced that another 10,000 job opportunities will be available at the Lindung Career Carnival in Kota Kinabalu on May 9 and 10. – By The Sun Team

Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

GEORGETOWN: A ratepayers advocacy group has raised concern that Penang’s free public bus programme is failing to deliver meaningful impact due to inadequate number of vehicles in service, arguing that availability – not affordability – is the more significant obstacle to greater public transport uptake. Ratepayers Penang president Lee Kim Noor acknowledged that the Mutiara Pass scheme, which enables riders to board Rapid Penang buses for a one-time RM10 registration and free subsequent renewals, has removed the cost barrier for commuters. However, she said the programme’s reach is severely constrained by the state’s modest bus fleet. “No doubt, we have Mutiara Pass providing free rides, but the whole of Penang only has about 300 buses. In Singapore, they have 5,000 buses,” she told theSun. She added that the fundamental question is not whether fares are subsidised, but whether buses actually show up when and where passengers need them. She also said without adequate frequency, coverage, and punctuality, commuters would have little incentive to abandon their private vehicles, regardless of how generous the incentive scheme may be. Lee said the shortfall is also undermining broader efforts to ease Penang’s entrenched traffic congestion problem, particularly during peak travel hours. She cautioned against over-reliance on the state’s forthcoming Light Rail Transit network as a standalone solution to the city’s congestion woes. She stressed that a well-functioning bus ecosystem needs to be in place before the LRT launches as developing a dependable public transport network takes years. “It is a fallacy to assume that Penang’s LRT on its own would resolve the present serious traffic congestion, especially during morning and evening peak hours,” she said, adding that

Lee said the shortfall is also undermining broader efforts to ease Penang’s entrenched traffic congestion problem, particularly during peak travel hours. – BERNAMAPIC

“Ratepayers are willing to contribute, but they need to see clear and practical outcomes.” The quit rent revisions announced by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow in January had drawn pushback from landowners, particularly those holding older titles or business-use land. The matter escalated into a broader political discussion before the state introduced its revised relief package, which also set updated rates of 70 sen per square metre for urban land and 50 sen per square metre for rural land. However, landowners falling under the revised category will not qualify for the 50% rebate and will not revert to their previous lower rates.

groundwork must begin immediately. Beyond the bus fleet issue, the group also reiterated its dissatisfaction with the state government’s recent revision of quit rent rates. While relief measures were announced on April 1 – including a 50% rebate for most landowners, nominal charges for certain categories and instalment payment options – Lee said the adjustments fall short of addressing the financial burden on residents. She called on the state to direct additional revenue collected towards practical improvements that residents could tangibly benefit from, such as expanding the bus network, improving route coverage and standardising scheduling.