Just yesterday (7 May), the latest visible light transmission (VLT) rate was announced by our Transport Minister Anthony Loke and it was well-received by members of the public, particularly because car owners are now allowed to tint their rear windows and windshields as dark as they wish. However, this new ruling has been met by opposition by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).
According to Harian Metro, Bukit Aman traffic chief Datuk Azisman Alias said the police were not asked for their input regarding the new ruling even though it could affect the safety of law-enforcers during inspections.
“I felt slighted. Ideally, they should discuss it with us and perhaps consider our views. Before this, we could still see the passengers and the driver but there’s no limit (for the rear windows) under this new ruling. It’d hard for the police to conduct inspections, especially to check on rear passengers,” he said, adding that the police will not be able to detect offenders who are not wearing seatbelts at the back.
Having said that, he still respects the government’s decision on implementing this ruling which is in line with the United Nation’s guidelines.
On the bright side, this revision to the existing regulations could help in reducing car break-ins as Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Zulkefly Yahya said,
“Thieves will not be able to easily spot items on the back seat and may think twice before breaking into vehicles. As long as the front is not too dark, we can still carry out our crime enforcement work.”
Another plus point for applying dark tinting on the rear windscreen is that drivers won’t be irritated by the white headlights or high beams from the car behind. We all know how annoying those super bright lights can be, right?
Would you fully tint your rear windows and windscreen? Let us know what you think in the comments! If you missed out on the announcement yesterday, check out the article below for all the details!
Also read: Starting 8th May, Motorists Can Fully Tint Their Rear Windows & Windshields