Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Digital has begun discussions with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to create a legal framework specifically for autonomous or driverless vehicles in Malaysia, as announced by Minister Gobind Singh Deo. He emphasized the importance of early preparations in key areas such as safety standards, digital infrastructure, and data protection to facilitate the transition to autonomous vehicles.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Gobind Singh Deo highlighted that conversations with JPJ have already started concerning the autonomous vehicle network. He acknowledged that driverless vehicles are already operating in other countries, prompting the need for a legal framework to ensure a suitable ecosystem, especially regarding safety and data protection.

Gobind noted the rapid advancement of autonomous vehicle technology and stressed the necessity for Malaysia to proactively prepare both legally and infrastructurally to support its adoption. Transport Minister Anthony Loke previously mentioned in September last year that the ministry was examining a framework for new legislation to regulate the use of autonomous vehicles on public roads.

Currently, Malaysia lacks specific laws for governing autonomous vehicles, including systems like the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), as noted by Loke.