NGOs call for 30km/h speed limit around school zones to be gazetted in order to enable legal action

A coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have voiced support for amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 in order to gazette the 30 km/h speed limit in school zones, The Star has reported.

The transport ministry’s decision to review amendments for the 30 km/h limit in school zones was lauded by the Safer Streets and Sustainable Transport Coalition (SSSTC), however it demanded clear rules on its enforcement. Once the limit is gazetted, legal action can be taken against offenders under existing provisions of the Act, according to the report.

“Institutionalising 30km/h school zones is a decisive step because the safety of our children is non-negotiable,” said Bike Commute Malaysia director Justin Lee. The SSSTC proposed enforcing the 30 km/h school zone speed limit with a RM300 fine, and recommended defining school zones as areas within a 200 metre radius of school entrances.

The coalition also supported elements of street design including raised crosswalks and refuge islands to reduce vehicle speeds, the report added.

The transport ministry was reported in February to be reviewing amendments to the rules under the Road Transport Act in order to introduce a 30 km/h speed limit in school zones, and the amendments are being undertaken comprehensively with the involvement of relevant ministries and agencies.

This followed the transport minister’s announcement last year that the Malaysian government is set to gazette a 30 km/h speed limit in school zones nationwide, following a proposal that was made in 2024.

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