The Malaysian government is taking significant strides towards embracing autonomous vehicle technology, with its Digital Ministry and Road Transport Department collaborating to forge a dedicated legal framework for driverless vehicles.
Establishing a legal framework
In a media conference after launching Malaysia’s first Vehicle Forensics Laboratory recently, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo explained that the forward-thinking move aims to position the nation at the forefront of autonomous vehicle (AV) adoption.
That will then ensure the country is well-prepared to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by this rapidly evolving technology.
He emphasised that the framework will encompass crucial elements such as stringent safety protocols, robust digital infrastructure, and comprehensive data protection measures.
“We’ve already begun discussions with JPJ [Road Transport Department] regarding what we refer to as the autonomous vehicle network. In other countries, we are already seeing driverless vehicles operating,” the minister told Bernama.
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Seamless integration of AVs
Commenting further, the minister underscored the importance of establishing a supportive legal ecosystem that guarantees the secure and seamless integration of AVs into the country’s transportation network.
“In such scenarios, we need to consider how to develop a legal framework to ensure the ecosystem is appropriate, especially in terms of safety and data protection,” he explained.
The official added that with AV technology swiftly becoming a tangible reality, Malaysia must adopt a proactive stance to ensure the nation is legally and infrastructurally equipped to facilitate its successful implementation.
“If we are to adopt driverless cars, the standards and safety aspects must be refined, and the legal framework must give these issues priority,” Gobind said.
Recognising a significant regulatory void, the government declared in September last year its intent to develop new legislation for AVs operating on public roads.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke stressed that such a policy is indispensable for validating the safety and operational effectiveness of AVs before their widespread commercialisation, particularly as Malaysia possesses no statutes governing their use.
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