The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah yesterday clarified that the proposal to limit the issuing of driving license to senior citizens was a personal suggestion of Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director Datuk Azisman Alias and the matter is yet to be discussed in detail by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
As reported by national news agency Bernama, Acryl Sani clarified that the call was a matter of personal suggestion and is currently only at JSPT level. He asserted,
“JSPT, a department of the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) involved in ensuring road safety has always looked at various aspects to improve road safety in the interest of the people.”
Igp, datuk seri acryl sani abdullah
“Any introduction of new methods would only be implemented after undergoing the study process as well as being decided by all interested parties,”
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong also commented on the matter yesterday and stressed that limiting driving license to individuals based on their age should be a last resort, after transparently verifying the individual’s fitness level to drive with a recognised test. Wee also clarified that many drivers above 70-years-old in Malaysia displayed greater competence in driving compared to those younger than them.
Wee stressed,
“A broader, more holistic angle including the need for mobility and other socio-economic factors should be considered, instead of only the age factor,”
What do you guys think of the whole matter? Should senior citizens be required to pass a special test to hold a driving license? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: PDRM Proposes ‘Ability To Drive’ Assessment For Senior Citizens Before They Can Renew Their License
