Motorcycle Safety

Wearing a SIRIM-certified helmet is mandatory for all riders and pillion passengers in Malaysia. Following this law greatly reduces the risk of severe head injuries in a crash.

While no helmet guarantees survival in every crash, statistics show that not wearing one significantly increases the risk of death. Even among motorcyclist fatalities, a large percentage were not wearing helmets or wore them improperly. A certified, correctly worn helmet drastically reduces the risk of severe head trauma.

• Certification
  Always choose a helmet with SIRIM certification sticker.
• Fit
  It should be snug and comfortable, without moving around easily on the head.
• Type
  Full-face helmets offer the best protection for both the head and face.

• Always fasten the chin strap securely. A loose helmet can come off during a crash.
• Position it level on your head, covering your forehead.

Replace your helmet after any significant impact, or typically every 5 years (materials degrade over time), or if the straps/padding are worn out.

The mandatory helmet law applies equally to all pillion riders (passengers). Never carry a passenger who is not wearing a helmet.

• Children are especially vulnerable.
• They must wear a helmet specifically designed and correctly sized for children. An adult helmet on a child will not provide adequate protection and may even come off in a crash.
• Ensure the child’s helmet is SIRIM-certified and securely fastened every single time.

Choose brightly coloured jackets, vests, or helmets for daytime riding. At night, reflective materials on clothing, helmets, and the motorcycle itself are essential.

Turn on your headlights even during the day (Daytime Running Lights – DRLs – if equipped) to make yourself more noticeable. Ensure taillights and brake lights are working correctly.

Ride where you are most likely to be seen. Avoid lingering in other vehicles’ blind spots (especially trucks and buses). Position yourself within the lane for optimal visibility at junctions and curves.

Signal your intentions (turns, lane changes) well in advance using indicators. Hand signals can supplement these if needed.

Speed dramatically increases risk and reduces reaction time. Adjust your speed according to road, traffic, and weather conditions.

Do not weave between traffic lanes unnecessarily. Avoid reckless overtaking or sudden lane changes, and exercise extreme caution if lane splitting/filtering is legal in your area.

Do not ride under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that affects your abilities. Fatigue also impairs judgment. Always ensure you are alert and well-rested.

Avoid distractions like using mobile phones while riding. Full attention on the road and your surroundings is essential.

Regularly check tires (pressure and tread), brakes, lights, signals, chain, and fluid levels. A well-maintained bike is a safer bike and reduces the risk of mechanical failure.

Ensure you have the correct motorcycle license (B2, B full) and that your road tax and insurance are valid. Riding legally protects you and others on the road.

• One Pillion Only
  Motorcycles are designed for one rider and usually only one passenger. Carrying more is illegal, unsafe, and affects balance, braking, and control
• Never Carry Passengers in Front
  Placing a passenger, especially a child, in front of the rider is illegal and extremely dangerous. It blocks your view and control, offers zero protection, and puts them at high risk in a crash.
• Ensure Pillion Readiness
  Make sure passengers can sit securely (reach footpegs), hold on firmly (to you or grab rails), and understand safety basics (lean with rider, hold on during acceleration/braking, keep feet on pegs).