Malaysia experts urge immediate 30 km/h school zone speed limits

Experts are calling for the immediate gazetting of a 30 km/h maximum speed limit in school zones to reduce the risk of fatalities and severe injuries among students. Associate Professor Dr. Law Teik Hua, head of the Road Safety Research Centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), noted that this limit can reduce a vehicle's kinetic energy by up to 64 percent, thereby lowering impact force and providing drivers more reaction time.

International studies cited by Dr. Law indicate that the risk of pedestrian death at an impact speed of 30 km/h is approximately five percent, whereas it rises to 50 percent at 59 km/h. He emphasized that speed limits should be paired with engineering designs such as standardized speed bumps, raised pedestrian crossings, refuge islands, and lane narrowing to be truly effective.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek stated that the 30 km/h limit cannot yet be enforced as legal amendments are still being reviewed. The Ministry of Transport is currently examining necessary changes to the Road Transport Act 1987 in coordination with relevant enforcement agencies before the limit can be officially gazetted.