Malaysians have much to boast about – our food, dashingly good looks, abundance of creatives and rich culture being some of them. One thing we lack as a country overall however, is honourable driving habits. As Malaysians, we may find ourselves getting frustrated almost daily with another driver on the road and while we may not want to admit it, we could be that annoying driver on the road who honks at the car in front of us the moment the light turns green!
So, why do Malaysians drive the way they do? Most say the real issue lies with the attitude of most Malaysian drivers. According to Murad 2014, while dangerous road conditions and vehicles that are in an unsafe condition are some of the reasons highlighted as leading to a high road fatality rate in Malaysia, the biggest factor perceived to contribute to it is the bad attitude of Malaysian drivers on the road. Citizens often cite the ignorance of road signs, speed limits, traffic lights and the use of seat belts as evidence of such an attitude.
Some also attribute the blame to the less than optimal condition of many of our Malaysian roads which tend to be uneven and come with potholes of all sizes. In fact, all of us reading this may have our own opinions about why Malaysian driving is in its current state. However, how often have we reflected on our own driving habits and identified areas requiring improvement on our part.
A lack of awareness of the severe consequences bad driving habits can have on Malaysian road users may play a bigger part than we often think. While we may be tempted to blame this on the road examination structures and systems currently in place, we need to tackle the issue as it is today through ways that are in our immediate control if we truly want to see positive change.
If everyone made the decision to reflect and take steps to change where necessary, I believe that we could positively impact the current condition of Malaysian driving and even help to lessen the number of road accidents that affects us in one way or another. This would include reading up on good driving habits as recommended by the experts and even attending seminars or workshops that highlight good driving tools that have been proven to be effective.
Here at MRS, we believe in this too. Not just for the average Malaysian driver who drives to and fro from work but the Malaysian who is required to drive off road due to work or other reasons.
This led to the birth of our two well-established and prestigious programmes that are now ISO-certified, the Effective Defensive Driving: Light Vehicle & Basic 4 X 4 and the 4 X 4 Off Road training. Participants have the privilege and golden opportunity of being personally coached by our highly experienced lead trainers who are experts in the field. This could be the next step you take to contribute to a better Malaysian driving experience.
References
Andres, L 2017, ‘Monster drivers need attitude change’, New Straits Times, 26 November, viewed 27 June 2019, <https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2017/11/307557/monster-drivers-need-attitude-change>.
Murad, D 2014, ‘Bad attitude of drivers to blame for high fatality rate on Malaysian roads, say netizens’, The Star Online, 22 February, viewed 27 June 2019, <https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2014/02/22/malaysian-drivers-to-blame-for-high-fatalities-netizens/>.
Nor Ain Mohamed Radhi & Ayisy Yusof 2019, ‘Fewer road deaths in 2018 but outlook is still worrying, says Anthony Loke’, New Straits Times, 1 February, viewed 27 June 2019, <https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2014/02/22/malaysian-drivers-to-blame-for-high-fatalities-netizens/>.
‘Distraction on wheels’ 2017, New Straits Times, 14 November, viewed 27 June 2019, <https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2014/02/22/malaysian-drivers-to-blame-for-high-fatalities-netizens/>.
Murad, D 2014, ‘Malaysia has 17th most dangerous roads in the world, according to Michigan university research’, The Star Online, 22 February, viewed 27 June 2019, <https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2014/02/22/malaysian-drivers-to-blame-for-high-fatalities-netizens/>.
‘Why do Malaysian drivers get such a bad rep?’ 2017, New Straits Times, 28 June, viewed 27 June 2019, <https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2014/02/22/malaysian-drivers-to-blame-for-high-fatalities-netizens/>.
About the author
Melissa Ann Liew holds a Degree in Bachelors of Business (Accounting) from Swinburne University of Technology (SUTS). She is currently pursuing her postgraduate studies at SUTS, in ACCA, to progress further in her journey to becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant. She is currently also doing content writing for MRS Management.
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