PUTRAJAYA – Withdrawing or limiting a valid driving licence issued to individuals based on their age should be a last resort after transparently verifying the person’s fitness level to drive with a recognised test, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong today.
Commenting on suggestions to limit the issuance of driving licences to senior citizens aged 70 and above, Wee said in a statement that many drivers above 70 displayed greater competence in driving than those younger than them.
“A broader and more holistic angle, including the need for mobility and other socio-economic factors, should be considered, instead of only the age factor,” he said.
He said driver’s licences were granted by the road transport authority as accreditation to individuals who had satisfactorily shown competency and ability to safely operate vehicles on the road as provided under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333).
Section 30 of Act 333 also provides for licence holders to surrender their licences voluntarily at any Road Transport Department office for medical reasons that may pose a danger to other road users, he said.
In response to reports on the proposal to limit the renewal of motor vehicle licences or road tax for those aged 70 and above, Wee said the suggestion could potentially lead to people simply borrowing vehicles from other owners to circumvent the rule.
Wee said any policy-related changes with regard to the driver’s licence and road tax must be handled with a systematic and evidence-based approach, and treated with foresight.
“Simply refusing a driver the means to drive on the basis of their age or based on isolated or anecdotal evidence is discriminatory,” he said.
It was reported that police had proposed that the government limit the issuance of vehicle licenses to senior citizens, saying that the health condition of senior citizens could contribute to road accidents.
However, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani today said the proposal was only the personal view of Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director Datuk Azisman Alias.
“The proposal is his personal proposal only at the JSPT level and has not been discussed in depth.
“The introduction of any new safety methods will only be implemented once they have been studied and decided on by all stakeholders,” said Acryl. – Bernama, September 25, 2021
