CYBERJAYA, Sept 9 — The Transport Ministry announced today that it is considering a new legal framework to govern autonomous vehicles (AV) on the road, as the commercialisation of such vehicles becomes an eventual reality.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the framework is necessitated by advancements in autonomous driving technology, particularly its application in the public transportation and logistics sectors.
“Amendments to the law are definitely needed, for example, on licensing and how we allow AV buses on the road once the technology is ready for commercialisation and proven safe for public use.
“We are now taking early steps to assess how far this technology can go and how we can amend our legislation to support digitalisation.
“Maybe it’s not mainstream yet, but in a few decades, most of our public transportation might be fully autonomous,” he told reporters after witnessing the 5G use case demonstration of an autonomous bus at Futurise Centre, Cyberjaya.
At present, there are no specific laws governing autonomous vehicles, including the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), aside from the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Guideline for Public Road Trials of Autonomous Vehicles.
When asked if there was a specific timeline, Loke said there is none at the moment, as proof-of-concept trials involving AVs are still ongoing.
“However, we have a committee on AV, and stakeholders can contribute to determine what legislation or amendments are needed. The ministry is ready to assist and facilitate,” he said.
MORE TO COME
