SEREMBAN: The proposal to automatically upgrade class B2 motorcycle licence holders to class B is still under review.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that the matter was still under discussion within the ministry due to various viewpoints.
"A decision has not been made. Indeed, studies have been conducted, but it's still under further discussion because the class B licence is for larger motorcycles.
"We (the Transport Ministry) need to assess to what extent those holding a class B2 licence are capable of handling larger motorcycles, which raises concerns from various parties," he told the media after the Ministry of Transport Allocation Ceremony at the ECM Libra Foundation Hall, SMK St Paul here, today.
He commented on Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's statement last year regarding the proposal to upgrade Class B2 motorcycle licence to class B automatically, which would be brought to the Transport Ministry for prior examination.
Zahid believed that there was no issue with the proposal as motorcycle riders with class B2 licences already had experience in riding such vehicles.
However, various parties, especially non-governmental organisations (NGOs), urged for a thorough research of the proposal as it could have implications on the country's road safety system.
The Malaysian Driving Institute Association (Pima) president Mat Aris Bakar, previously said this move could regress the country's vehicle licensing system as it involved the competency of a rider.
Expanding on this, Loke emphasised the need for further studies before finalisation.
Meanwhile, Loke said that the ministry's current programme supported driving students by merging the theory test (KPP Test 01) for both B2 and D licences.
He said individuals who had obtained a motorcycle licence no longer needed to retake the theory test for the car licence.
"These have been combined, making it easier for students as they don't need to redo KPP 01 for theory," he said.
In a separate matter, the Seremban member of Parliament, said action was being taken concerning the proposal for the construction of Port Dickson Port, with a decision expected to be announced soon.
Loke, a former SMK St Paul student, emphasised the importance of public donations from the corporate sector in aiding schools.
According to him, SMK St Paul, which is more than a century old, is in need of facility improvements including football fields, tables, and chairs.
"As a former student of this school, I am proud to contribute to providing better facilities for the students here.
"I urge former students and corporate entities to continue contributing as it should become a societal culture to repay the schools where we gained knowledge," he said.