Debate Over Health and Competency Tests for Senior Drivers in Malaysia

Some say tests will reduce accidents; others argue such checks unfairly target the elderly

- Hazlin Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR - Two Malaysian men, both aged 65, were killed after their vehicle crashed into a lane divider at the Sungai Besi toll plaza at the edge of the capital city in November.

And earlier in December, a couple, aged 79 and 78, were lucky to survive after the car they were in plunged into a large drain in Tawau, a city in the state of Sabah.

These accidents have added to a roiling debate in Malaysia about its ageing population, and how health examinations and competency tests could soon be made mandatory for seniors wishing to renew their driving licence.

The chatter started with widely shared messages on social media urging elderly drivers to renew their driving licences before "physical examinations are imposed starting January 2025".

In November, Malay-language daily Utusan Malaysia reported that the number of road accidents involving the elderly could be reduced if additional conditions are introduced for their licence renewals.

The speculation prompted an online petition on the Change.org website opposing the alleged upcoming restrictions on driving licence renewals for senior citizens, which received over 5,700 signatures in just over 10 days to Dec 27.

"Stop making the lives of senior citizens more difficult. We do not have the means to hire drivers or book Grab cars whose rates keep ever-increasing," the petition read.