New AES fines set at RM150 has its pros and cons, say Ipoh folk THERE are mixed reactions from the public on the reduction of summonses issued under the Automated Enforcement System (AES). While some felt the move was good and timely due to the rising cost of living, others felt the fines imposed should be higher to prevent motorists from speeding. Cheong Chee Wai, 26, said with the rise in petrol and diesel prices, the lower fine of RM150 was good news. “Any form of reduction, whether in summonses, commodities or so on is always good to reduce the public’s burden. “But this does not mean drivers must speed, especially on highways. They must be careful drivers always whether the fine increases or decreases,” said the self-employed. Civil servant Rizalman Idris, 34, said it was good that the fines were reduced. He said it was better to have educational programmes than impose fines. “Those who want to speed do not care about the rules and regulations because they just want to get to their destination quickly. “Instead, the relevant government agencies should organise demonstrations, talks and awareness programmes that show people the consequences of speeding,” he added. They were commenting on the new summonses issued under the AES that would carry a fine of RM150 effective immediately. Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein said the fine would increase gradually to the maximum of RM300 if the offender delayed settling the summons. Previously, the penalty was a flat rate of RM300. The two concessionaires — Beta Tegap Sdn Bhd and ATES Sdn Bhd — were originally awarded the contract to set up the system. Taking over from the two concessionaires would be the newly set-up AES Solution Sdn Bhd, a government-owned company under the Ministry of Finance Incorporated. Connie Kua, 43, however, felt the fines should be increased instead of reduced. The insurance agent said the lower fine would increase the number of accidents especially on highways. “As it is, with the RM300 fine, the number of accidents, especially during festive periods, are high, and now with the RM150 fine, drivers are going to speed more. “We are talking about lives. We need to prevent them from speeding, and with higher fines, drivers would be more careful,” she said. James Wong, 30, a helper at a drink stall, said firstly, he did not understand why Malaysia was using the AES. He said several developed foreign countries were no longer using the system. “So why are we implementing this, because accidents occur due to human error. “It is the driving habit and attitude of the drivers that cause accidents. In countries such as India, where there are no proper traffic lights, the accident rates are low,” he said. On the issue of the government-owned company taking over from the two concessionaires, Wong said transparency was important no matter who took charge. “Whether it is private or government-linked companies, the people want transparency,” he added. Wong also said that whether the summonses were increased or reduced, it was mandatory for the offender to pay the fines. M. Balakerisnan, 66, a retiree, said to prevent drivers from speeding and endangering the lives of others, the fines should not be lowered. He said with a hefty sum set up, people would have to think twice before they speed. “When the fines are lowered, people take things for granted, and tend to speed more,” he added.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 03:14:03 +0000
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