More than two years after its initial announcement, the introduction of a 30 kilometers per hour (kph) speed limit in school zones across the country remains pending final approval. The delay is attributed to ongoing legal reviews by the Transport Ministry regarding necessary amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 to ensure the measure effectively enhances safety for pupils and road users.
The Education Ministry, responding in a parliamentary written reply dated October 7, outlined that the Transport Ministry continues to coordinate with multiple agencies in assessing potential changes. Stakeholders involved include the Education, Works and Police ministries, the Public Works Department, Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, and the Road Transport Department (JPJ), among others.
The ministry emphasized that implementation will be accompanied by appropriate road signage and markings around schools, along with increased monitoring and enforcement efforts by relevant authorities within their respective jurisdictions.
The 30kph speed limit was endorsed as national policy by the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, on July 15, 2024. Transport Minister Anthony Loke had previously indicated in April 2025 that the speed limit was in the process of being gazetted, with the latest update in February 2026 reiterating that legal amendments under Act 333 remain under study.
The ministry’s response came amid a parliamentary inquiry from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin), who questioned collaborative efforts among ministries to bolster road safety around schools and prevent accidents.
In addition to the speed limit initiative, the ministry reported ongoing expansion of the Safe School Zone pilot project, which was first launched on June 15, 2026, in 14 schools across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu, Kedah, Sarawak, Johor, and Perlis. This project aims to enhance safety measures in school vicinities.
Collaboration with local authorities (Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan, PBT) is also underway to improve traffic management in school areas. Efforts include redesigning pupil drop-off and pick-up zones and introducing traffic-calming measures to reduce risks near schools.