New tint rules will affect road safety and security, says expert

Law Teik Hua says tinting must take into account local road conditions, driver attitudes and the challenges it will pose to law enforcement officers. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: A road safety expert has urged Putrajaya to reconsider its decision to allow darker tint on car windows, saying it should take into account the local infrastructure, driver attitudes and the challenges it will present to law enforcement officers.

Universiti Putra Malaysia’s associate professor Law Teik Hua said he disagreed with the new rules because of concerns over road safety and security.

Law, who heads UPM’s Road Safety Research Centre, said for one, the lifting of restrictions on the tint limit for rear windows and rear windscreens would reduce visibility.

“When you drive and you need to look behind, you should look at the rear view mirror and side mirrors, and experienced drivers do this. Unfortunately, less experienced drivers usually rely only on the rear view mirrors.

“So, if you allow cars to tint their rear view mirrors 100%, then their vision will be restricted.”

Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook announced recently that restrictions had been lifted on the tint limit for rear windows and rear windscreens of private vehicles.

Loke said the ministry’s decision was in line with international regulations and that Malaysia was following Japan as most of the cars in the country were imported from there.

However, Law said traffic in Japan consisted mostly of cars, while in Malaysia, many road users were motorcyclists and even cyclists.

He said lighting outside the Klang Valley and urban areas may also be an issue.

“I don’t think we can reduce the number oif road accidents with the new policy,” he told FMT.

He said the tinting of rear view windows would also make it difficult for the police and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to enforce laws on the use of rear seat belts and child safety seats.

“If the rear windows are fully tinted, how can the police and JPJ check if the passengers at the back are buckled up,” he said, adding that the law on rear seat belts introduced in 2009 is good.

A study by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research in 2014 showed that the fatality rate in accidents is reduced by 44% when rear passengers wear seat belts.

Law said another factor to consider is that passersby or other motorists will not be able to see if there is a crime or emergency.

“We must also remember that we have seen a number of cases of careless parents who leave their children in the back seat,” he said.

Police should remain firm

Former inspector-general of police Musa Hassan said the police, who voiced reservations about the new rules, should not back down from their concerns.

He said the issue of tinting windows was related to the duties of the police of ensuring the security and safety of the people.

Musa also said that the home ministry, which oversees the police, should speak up for the force.

Yesterday, Bukit Aman Investigation and Traffic Enforcement Department director Azisman Alias said the police accepted the government’s decision, after Loke said the regulations would stay despite protests from various quarters, including the police.

“This is what happens when we do not have any coordination.

“By right, the transport ministry should discuss the matter with both the police and JPJ, as enforcement agencies, before making an announcement,” Musa told FMT.

He said the police should be given the chance to give their input on the matter, taking into consideration the present day challenges and security threats.

“When you allow people to fully tint their cars, it will make it difficult for police to identify those inside. This will make it easier for criminals,” he said.

JPJ previously allowed a tint of 70% for rear windscreens and rear passenger windows, 50% for driver and front passenger windows, and 30% for the front windshield. - FMT