CYBERJAYA: The Digital Ministry is in discussions with the Transport Ministry to draft and introduce new legislation for autonomous vehicles (AVs).
The move comes in response to the growing use of driverless vehicles in several countries, underscoring the need for Malaysia to prepare its own legal framework as it embraces future technologies.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said discussions with the Transport Ministry centred on the regulation and safe use of AVs.
He said the proposed law would address safety considerations and compliance with existing standards.
“I have begun discussions on what we call the ‘autonomous vehicle network’.
“Looking at other countries, we can already see vehicles operating without drivers. In such cases, we must ensure a legal system that safeguards public safety.
“If we are to adopt driverless cars, the standards and safety aspects must be refined, and the legal framework must give these issues priority,” he said after launching the country’s first Vehicle Forensics Laboratory at the Cyber Axis Tower here, yesterday.
Last year, it was reported that the government would introduce new legislation to regulate AVs on Malaysian roads.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke previously stressed that such a policy was vital to ensure the safety and effectiveness of AVs before their commercial rollout as Malaysia had no laws governing their operation.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
