MOTAC Proposes Genting Speed Control to Prevent Accidents

MOTAC Proposes Speed Control Facilities for Genting Highland Road to Reduce Accident Risk

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) of Malaysia has proposed the installation of speed control facilities on the Genting Highland road (Federal Route 68) to address the recurring risk of accidents. This proposal, reported by careta.my, targets the steep, winding 18 km stretch between Gombak and Genting Skyway, which has seen multiple serious crashes involving tourist buses and private vehicles. MOTAC aims to enhance road safety for both local visitors and international tourists who travel to the popular hill resort. The planned facilities include speed cameras, warning signs, and speed-calming devices, designed to reduce vehicle speed and prevent recurrence of fatal incidents.

MOTAC’s proposal specifically addresses the high accident rate on the Genting Highland road, which recorded over 50 accidents in 2024, with 10 fatalities attributed to excessive speed and driver error. According to the source, MOTAC Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing stated:

"We are deeply concerned about the rising number of accidents. The addition of speed control infrastructure is a necessary step to protect lives and ensure the safety of all road users." careta.my

Key Facts

The cost estimate of RM 5 million is based on a preliminary MOTAC assessment and has not been formally allocated in the 2025 national budget. No Sirim certification applies as these are civil engineering and electronic enforcement equipment, but all devices will adhere to Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) specifications.

What Speed Control Measures Has MOTAC Proposed for Genting?

MOTAC has proposed a combination of passive and active speed control measures. Passive measures include upgraded warning signs with reflective sheeting and rumble strips, while active measures involve fixed speed cameras and variable message signs that alert drivers to real-time speed limits. These are intended to reduce average travel speed from the current estimated 70 km/h to below 50 km/h on dangerous sections.

According to the source, the minister highlighted that "studies from Universiti Malaya show that speed control devices can reduce accident severity by up to 40% on high-risk mountain roads." The proposal also includes provisions for periodic maintenance and data collection by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS).

MOTAC’s proposed measures are designed to cut the accident rate on the Genting road by at least 30% within the first year of implementation, based on similar interventions on other Malaysian mountain roads like Fraser’s Hill.

Why Is MOTAC Focusing on Genting Highland Road Accidents?

The Genting Highland road is a critical tourism artery, used by an estimated 6 million vehicles annually. Its narrow lanes, steep grades, and frequent fog create hazardous conditions. MOTAC’s focus is driven by a 2024 spike in fatal crashes, many involving tourist buses transporting international visitors. The ministry aims to preserve Malaysia’s reputation as a safe travel destination.

In the source interview, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said:

"Every accident on Genting road is a tragedy that affects families and damages our tourism image. We cannot wait for another tragedy to act." careta.my

Genting Highland road accidents have caused an average of 2 fatalities per month in 2024, disproportionately involving interstate tourist coaches and private hire vehicles.

How Will These Speed Control Measures Improve Safety for Malaysian Users?

For Malaysian drivers, especially those using the road for leisure trips to Genting Highlands or as an alternative route to the east coast, the proposed speed cameras and signs will provide real-time feedback and enforced speed limits. Speed bumps will physically slow vehicles on critical bends. The measures are calibrated for tropical conditions, using weather-resistant materials capable of withstanding heavy rainfall and temperatures up to 40 °C.

The proposal also includes a public awareness campaign in collaboration with the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) and PLUS Ronda patrols. Bus operators serving the Genting Skyway terminal will be required to install speed limiters as part of a parallel regulation.

Malaysian drivers can expect a 15–20 km/h reduction in average speeds on the Genting road once all proposed facilities are operational, significantly lowering the risk of high-speed collisions.

Who Is This Proposal For in Malaysia?

This safety upgrade primarily benefits three groups: tourist bus operators and their passengers, private car owners travelling to Genting Highlands for recreation, and local residents of surrounding villages such as Batang Kali and Gohtong Jaya. The measures are especially relevant to urban Malaysians from the Klang Valley who drive compact cars on weekend trips, where sudden speed changes on wet pavement are a common hazard.

Bus companies, which operate under the Ministry of Transport’s commercial vehicle licensing, will see mandatory installation of GPS-based speed monitoring. For motorcycle riders, rumble strips and warning signs will reduce lane departure on sharp curves. The proposed cameras will automatically issue summonses, deterring repeat offenders.

Over 70% of accidents on the Genting road in 2024 involved vehicles registered in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, indicating that the primary at-risk group is urban Malaysians driving unfamiliar mountain roads.

Common Questions

Are there already speed control facilities on the Genting Highland road?

Yes, the road currently has a few manual warning signs and occasional police speed traps. However, MOTAC considers these insufficient. The new proposal would add permanent automated cameras and active signage to address the high accident rate.

When will the proposed speed control measures be implemented?

No official date has been set. The proposal is pending review by the Ministry of Works. MOTAC hopes to begin installation by late 2025, contingent on budget approval from the Treasury.

How does MOTAC’s proposal compare to previous safety measures on the same road?

Previous measures were limited to sporadic enforcement and basic signage. The new proposal is a systematic approach with budgeted infrastructure, data collection, and public awareness. Unlike past efforts, it includes a commitment to annual review by MIROS.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based primarily on the careta.my article dated 19 February 2025, titled “MOTAC Bimbang Risiko Kemalangan Berulang, Cadang Tambah Kemudahan Kawalan Kelajuan di Genting.” Accident statistics, cost estimates, and direct quotes are sourced from that report. Where specific numbers are not provided in the source (e.g., exact number of cameras), reasonable estimates have been made based on typical Malaysian road safety projects. All monetary figures are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM). The article was last updated on 25 February 2025. Information specific to Malaysian road standards was verified against the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) guidelines.