There are currently no laws against automated driving systems in Malaysia. Despite this, PDRM has previously declared that hands-free driving is illegal. But this may need to change with the potential advent of properly self-driving cars in the country. As such, the Digital Ministry is in talks with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) about drafting laws to govern autonomous vehicles.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said there must be safety regulations in place for such vehicles to operate in Malaysia. He was quoted as saying “we held talks with JPJ on how we can assess this and prepare the country for the future so that we are prepared to use this technology”. The minister also says that talks with the transport ministry has also begun for the autonomous vehicle framework.
Almost exactly a year ago, the Transport Ministry said it was considering a new legal framework to govern self-driving cars. At the time, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said it was necessitated by advancements in the tech. This is particularly in the case of pubic transportation and logistics sectors.
This does come a fair number of years after the testing of autonomous vehicles in Cyberjaya has been approved. And naturally, it will have to happen first before robotaxi companies are allowed to operate locally.
(Source: The Star, Malay Mail)
