M’sians Can Soon Learn to Drive on Mall Rooftops as JPJ Now Allows Driving Institutes on High-Rise Buildings

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has announced the introduction of new guidelines for driving institutes in the country, notably allowing training circuits to be built in high-rise buildings, warehouses and commercial premises, including potentially on the rooftops of shopping malls.

In a statement, JPJ Director-General Dato’ Aedy Fadly Ramli said that this approach strengthens industry regulation, ensuring a balance between supply and demand while enhancing the competitiveness and quality of service delivery for driving institutes.

Dato’ aedy fadly ramli (middle)

Addressing land scarcity in urban areas

Aedy Fadly added that the development of driving institutes within multi-storey buildings will address land constraints in densely populated areas.

However, all applications for the establishment of new driving institutes are subject to the decision of the Driving School Licensing Committee (JKPIM).

For illustration purposes

The JPJ Director-General made the remarks during the opening ceremony of Institut Memandu Warisan Integriti Sdn. Bhd. in Kuala Ketil, Kedah, earlier today (28 March).

During the same event, Aedy Fadly was quoted by BERNAMA as saying that the guidelines were developed in line with the Motor Vehicles (Driving Schools) Rules 1992 and the Road Transport Act 1987.

Increased flexibility for new developments

He further welcomed interested parties to submit applications at any time, including proposals to convert unused land, buildings or large warehouses into driving institutes.

The new guidelines remove the minimum distance requirement between driving institutes, as well as the minimum land size for new developments. Instead, JPJ will assess applications based on the capacity and readiness of existing institutes in the area.

Furthermore, driving institutes are no longer restricted by geographic zones when accepting candidates, allowing them to enrol learners from any location nationwide.

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Safety and vehicle limitations

“Even underutilised multi-storey buildings, such as shopping malls, can be considered, subject to compliance with safety requirements. For instance, if circuits are built on rooftops, the structure must be strong and meet all specified standards,” the JPJ Director-General stated.

However, he noted that such facilities will be limited to Class D and B vehicles, namely cars and motorcycles.

So, what do you guys think of this move by JPJ? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. 

Also read: Foreign Driver on KL Road Presents Bangladeshi Licence When Stopped by JPJ, Gets Pickup Truck Seized