THERE may be more motorcycles on Malaysian roads this year as more people seek alternative modes of transportation.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said at the Suzuki Road Safety Campaign in Seremban recently total registered motorcycle sales reached an estimated 720,000 units last year.
This is a significant increase compared to the estimated 500,000 units sold in 2021.
According to the Road Transport Department, there were at least 23 million active vehicles in the country up to September 2021, of which around 46.6 per cent were motorcycles.
Another report claims that 83 per cent of Malaysian households own at least one motorcycle.
MEANS TO MANY ENDS
Motorcycles have been gaining popularity among Malaysians for a multitude of reasons, such as their ability to ease through traffic jams, especially during rush hours.
As traffic congestion becomes an ever bigger issue, choosing two wheels is becoming an even more appealing proposition.
And with the automotive sector still grappling with a microchip shortage, resulting in vehicle supply issues, now may be a good time to opt for a change of pace.
Motorcycles now come with numerous quality-of-life advancements. The emissions impact is minimal as well, especially with electric bikes.
They can also double as a practical delivery vehicle in the event of an emergency. Overall, it is a more versatile choice when heavy load is not a factor.
MATTER OF ECONOMICS
However, are Malaysians picking the motorcycles because they chose to or is it an issue of affordability?
Deciding to scale down, as opposed to being forced to, are different motivators.
Yamaha , Honda, and Modenas were said to lead the pack in terms of motorcycle sales last year.
While no specific models were highlighted, it seems that most buyers are opting for the more affordable or entry-level models from the wide array of options available.
There is also the matter of more Malaysians venturing into the gig economy, delivery in this case, to make ends meet.
At least for now, it would seem that motorcycles are the preferred choice as a second vehicle.
SAFETY FIRST
Regardless, the biggest concern is rider safety. An increase in motorcycles on the road will only add to the risks
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that motorcyclists accounted for 70 out of every 100 road deaths in Malaysia as of August 2021.
The WHO report said in general, teenagers and young adults aged 15 to 34 made up 60 per cent of motorcycle-related deaths in Southeast Asia.
In most cases, they were preventable as well. While poor road and traffic conditions were cited as a factor, the failure to wear a helmet, speeding and being under the influence of intoxication were contributing factors, too.
That's not to say car drivers don't commit road offences.
Overall, police reported that there were 255,532 road accidents with 3,302 deaths between January and September 2021, compared to 418,237 road accidents and 4,634 deaths in the same period in 2020.