The Royal Malaysian Police is prohibiting any cycling activities on highways without the permission of the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM).
Based on a report by Berita Harian, the Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director, Datuk Mat Kasim Karim, shared that cyclists who violate the law can be prosecuted under the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Road Traffic Rules 1959.
“Action will be taken in accordance with Section 54 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless riding which provides for a fine of RM1,000 to RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months,”
“Failure to comply with traffic signs prohibiting cycling on the highway can result in the individual being charged under Section 79 (2) of the same act, while Section 112 (3) allows bicycles to be seized if any cycling offence is committed,” he said.
This comes following a new wave of online backlash targeted towards cycling groups after videos were circulating, displaying cyclists’ riding bicycles to the detriment of themselves and other road users.
Apart from that, he added that cyclists who are found not to have installed front and rear lights on their bicycles can be prosecuted according to Rule 35 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959, which carries a maximum fine of RM2,000 or imprisonment of up to six months.
Rule 42, which bares the same punishment, can be imposed if the bicycles do not have brakes and bells as safety features, as well as riding in groups instead of rows.
“The Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) has so far only taken action against cyclists who cycle in groups on the road,”
“The police do not restrict cycling activities but (cyclists) must comply with the prescribed safety measures,” he added.
From January to September of this year alone, a total of 150 accident cases involving cyclists were recorded. And from that number, 71 cases of death, 24 cases of serious injuries and 55 cases of minor injuries were reported.
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