Malaysia: AI 'detects' speed on highways

The new AI system is integrated into the Autonomous Awareness Safety System (AWAS), which measures travel time and distance to detect speeding violations.

According to Malaysia's Transport Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Jana Santhiran Muniayan, the system will be tested on two expressways and some accident-prone spots.

“The system will record the travel time based on the distance. If the driver arrives earlier than the expected time, the license plate number is detected and an automatic summons is issued,” said Mr. Jana Santhiran.

The installed camera system uses automatic license plate recognition technology. (Photo: NSTP)

Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the current AWAS camera system was not effective enough because drivers often slowed down in front of the camera but then sped up immediately afterward. The new system will measure the average speed between two points to ensure drivers maintain a reasonable speed throughout the entire route.

To ensure safety during the festive season, the Malaysian Transport Ministry will deploy police and Road Transport Department (RTD) personnel on expressways. In addition, RTD will conduct undercover operations on buses to monitor drivers.

"We have found bus drivers watching movies and even live streaming on social media while driving. This is a dangerous behavior that needs to be dealt with seriously ," said Mr. Jana Santhiran.

Malaysia has one of the highest car usage densities in Southeast Asia.

According to statistics, there were 458 accidents and 9 deaths on the northern section of the Menora Tunnel from 2021 to May 2024. However, after the installation of AWAS cameras in June 2024, there were only 3 accidents in 6 months, with no deaths.

"Upgrading the AWAS system with AI technology will help reduce traffic accident rates and raise driver awareness ," Mr. Jana Santhiran affirmed.

Minh Hoan (Source: NSTP)

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/malaysia-ai-soi-toc-do-tren-duong-cao-toc-ar947103.html