Cops propose restrictions on driving licences for senior citizens

The police have proposed that the government limit the issuance of motor vehicle licences (LKM) to senior citizens.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Azisman Alias ​​said this was because the health condition of senior citizens could be a contributing factor to road accidents.

He said senior citizens also need to undergo a medical check-up and get a doctor’s approval confirming that they are fit to drive.

“As people age, they are more likely to suffer from health conditions such as Alzheimer’s and blurred vision which can indirectly cause accidents on the road.

“There was a case where a senior citizen was caught driving on a motorcycle lane. Therefore, the government needs to study issuing LKM to senior citizens,” he told a special press conference at Bukit Aman today.

Azisman said it would not be suitable for senior citizens 70 years of age to renew their driving licence for a five-year period due to the age factor.

He also suggested that the government issue a policy for low-powered motorcycles not to make excessive noise.

He said such a policy is needed as some owners of such motorcycles modify their exhaust without following the set specifications.

Meanwhile, Azisman said motorcycle accidents are still the main contributor to traffic fatalities in the country at 70% or 2,075 deaths from January to August this year.

This was followed by accidents involving cars at 450 deaths, pedestrians (168), lorries (87), bicycles (54), four-wheel drive vehicles (53) and buses (1).