A total of 60,000 students aged 16 and 17 (Form 4 and Form 5) from B40 families will receive free Class B2 motorcycle licences through the MyLesen B2 Sekolah (MyB2S) Programme nationwide this year. The initiative, introduced by the government through the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), aims to improve road safety awareness and ensure students ride legally on Malaysian roads.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the programme was introduced following concerns over the increasing number of students, especially those in rural areas, riding motorcycles to school without valid licences. He explained that the government wanted to provide a practical solution while promoting compliance with road regulations among young riders.
The programme involves an allocation of RM18.5 million, with Johor recording the highest number of beneficiaries. About 8,200 students in the state are expected to benefit from the initiative, involving an allocation of RM2.46 million.
According to Anthony Loke, statistics show that more than 6,000 fatal road accidents are reported annually in Malaysia, with around 65 per cent involving motorcyclists and pillion riders. Most victims are between the ages of 16 and 25, including school students. He said the programme is expected to help reduce the number of unlicensed riders while improving road safety among youths.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek was also present during the launch of the programme at the Austin International Convention Centre in Johor Bahru. The Ministry of Education will assist in identifying eligible students through a screening process before the list is submitted to JPJ for implementation.
