Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital city of Malaysia, is setting its sights on autonomous vehicles as the future of transportation. According to Cyberview Sdn Bhd, a technology hub developer, Malaysia is aiming for a two-year timeline for the implementation of autonomous vehicles, pending the development of a government regulatory framework.
Cyberview CEO Kamarul Ariffin Abdul Samad emphasized that Malaysia is currently in the testing stage for autonomous vehicles. He highlighted the importance of ensuring safety on public roads and the need for a regulatory framework to govern the use of autonomous vehicles. Kamarul mentioned that the government is in the process of developing this framework, indicating that it may take another one or two years before autonomous vehicles become a common sight on Malaysian roads.
In addition to regulatory considerations, Kamarul stressed the significance of technology maturity in the deployment of autonomous vehicles. He emphasized the need for technology to be both mature and safe, especially when it directly impacts the public. This cautious approach reflects Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles before widespread adoption.
Cyberview is actively supporting the advancement of autonomous vehicles through its Living Lab initiative, which provides a platform for testing and innovation in a controlled environment. This initiative allows for the exploration of new technologies and solutions that can enhance the development of autonomous vehicles in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, in a parallel development, Sarawak, a state in Malaysia, is also exploring alternative fuel sources such as hydrogen for transportation. Kamarul noted that Sarawak is in the testing stage for hydrogen as an alternative fuel, indicating a broader push towards sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions in Malaysia.
In August, it was reported that Cyberview is on track to have the first autonomous vehicle tested on a public road by the end of the year, pending approval from the Transport Ministry and Sepang Municipal Council. Currently, tech companies are limited to testing autonomous vehicles on private roads, including within the Cyberview headquarters, as part of ongoing research and development efforts.
Overall, Malaysia’s push towards autonomous vehicles reflects a broader trend towards innovation and sustainability in transportation. With a focus on safety, technology maturity, and regulatory frameworks, Malaysia is poised to embrace the future of autonomous vehicles within the next few years. As developments continue to unfold, it will be exciting to see how Malaysia’s transportation landscape evolves with the integration of autonomous vehicles.