Kadir Jasin: Teenage drivers the real problem, not senior citizens

Kadir Jasin: Teenage drivers the real problem, not senior citizens



FORMER Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) leader A Kadir Jasin urged the police to focus their attention on teenage drivers instead of senior citizens, claiming the former are more prone to break traffic rules compared to the latter.

“I believe the police should keep an eye on teenage drivers and riders as they are the ones usually caught driving under the influence, driving without licences, turning into mat rempit and others,” he said in a Facebook post.

Two days ago, Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Azisman Alias proposed that the Government limit the issuance of Motor Vehicle Licenses (LKM) to senior citizens.

He made the suggestion claiming the health condition of senior citizens could be a factor which contributed to road accidents.

“As people age, they are more likely to suffer from health conditions such as Alzheimer’s and blurred vision which can indirectly cause accidents on the road.

“There was a case where a senior citizen who was caught driving on a motorcycle lane. Therefore, the Government needs to study issuing LKM to senior citizens,” The Star reported him as saying.

Yesterday, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong dismissed reports which claimed he called for those above 70 years of age to surrender their driver’s license.

“Section 30 of the Road Transport Act 1987 only seeks those with poor health to voluntarily surrender their driver’s license,” he added.

E-hailing riders, heavy vehicles

Defending senior citizens, Kadir said the former neither drives fast nor embark on long distance driving, adding they just use their vehicle to move around their locality.

“They drive to their favourite coffee shop to meet their peers, go to the pharmacy or clinics and places of worship such as mosques and churches.

“Once in a while, they go to the lottery shop and barber shops,” he stated.



Personally, Kadir said he had been driving for nearly 50 years, getting involved in only two minor accidents.

“I’m 74 years old. The only accidents I experienced involved my car having minor scratches here and there. Of course, I’m also guilty of driving above the speed limit and park wrongly occasionally,” he added.

On errant drivers and riders, he urged the police to also look into e-hailing riders and heavy vehicle drivers who frequently flout road traffic rules, putting everyone’s lives at risk.

“They are the real ‘demons’ on the roads. Keep tabs on these people instead old people who simply want to drive to mosques and churches,” the veteran newsman remarked. – Sept 27, 2021