(Sibu, June 6) — Dr. Dato’ Ng Piao Sheng, President of the Sarawak Chinese Association and Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce, urges traffic police to strictly enforce and carry out long-term law enforcement against drivers who habitually drive slowly and obstruct traffic in the right lane, rather than relying on slogan-type reminders. He emphasized that according to existing Malaysian law, the rightmost lane is meant solely for overtaking; once overtaking is complete, vehicles must return to the left lane. Even if not speeding, occupying the right lane for long periods is illegal and offenders can be fined up to RM2,000.
On the 4th, Ng Piao Sheng expressed his support in a press statement, responding to the remarks of national traffic police director Dato’ Seri Mohamad Yusri. He pointed out that he frequently travels between Sri Aman and Kuching, and has repeatedly encountered so-called "phantom slow drivers" in the right lane who refuse to give way—an issue that not only inconveniences road users, but also leads to unnecessary trouble and a risk of rear-end collisions.
"Many drivers may not know, or deliberately pretend not to know, that long-term driving in the right lane is illegal, even if they are not speeding," Ng said.
He stated that this regulation is not new, but has long existed in Malaysian traffic law. However, lax enforcement and insufficient public awareness have led to slow-driving right-lane hogs becoming almost the norm, seriously undermining road order and traffic safety.
Ng bluntly noted that during his regular travel between Sri Aman and Kuching, he encounters drivers occupying the right lane at low speeds nearly every time, and even if vehicles behind flash their lights, these drivers remain unmoved.
"This behavior not only causes traffic congestion, but also increases the risk of dangerous overtaking and accidents. It is a typical example of uncivilized driving," he said.
He also pointed out a serious misconception among some drivers, who believe "as long as I am not speeding, I have every right to occupy the right lane", and even turn the blame on vehicles behind. This mindset must be corrected.
"The essential function of the right lane is for overtaking, not cruising. Regardless of whether one is at the speed limit, if not overtaking, they must return to the left lane. This is a basic driving rule."
Ng emphasized that law enforcement should implement the following measures:
· Enhance highway patrols and carry out immediate enforcement
· Set up targeted enforcement operations on key sections (such as the route between Sri Aman and Kuching)
· Strengthen public education through media and social platforms
· Make enforcement against this offense routine, rather than a periodic campaign
He believes only by combining "high-frequency enforcement + intensive education" can real change in driving culture be achieved.
Responding to the confusion of many drivers about "when did this rule start", Ng specifically looked into the legal origins. He explained that this is not a new regulation, but has been part of Malaysian traffic law for a long time.
According to existing information, the prohibition on vehicles occupying the right lane for extended periods can be traced back to the Road Traffic Rules 1959. Article 4A of these rules clearly defines standards for lane usage.
Additionally, to further regulate traffic, the Ministry of Transport gazetted this prohibition in 2015—especially to control heavy vehicles such as buses and lorries—banning them from the far right lane except when overtaking. Although this mainly targeted commercial vehicles at the time, the "keep left" principle has always applied to ordinary vehicles as well.
Ng reminded that in accordance with the Road Transport Act 1987, violators can be fined up to RM2,000 and even face up to 6 months’ imprisonment.
"The Traffic Police Chief has made it clear: regardless of whether you exceed the speed limit, if you are not overtaking, you must vacate the right lane," Ng stressed. "The police should make this enforcement routine—not just penalizing red-light running or speeding, but also correcting the bad habit of 'turtle-speed right lane hogging' to improve traffic flow."
He finally called on all drivers to uphold civic responsibility, abide by the principle of "Keep Left Unless Overtaking," and be civil and courteous road users.
Ng finally emphasized that ensuring road safety depends not only on the law, but also on its enforcement and the awareness of all citizens.
"The rules already exist—the real issue is whether they are firmly enforced. If strict control is not imposed, law-abiding road users will suffer while traffic order will only worsen."
On the 4th, Ng Piao Sheng expressed his support in a press statement, responding to the remarks of national traffic police director Dato’ Seri Mohamad Yusri. He pointed out that he frequently travels between Sri Aman and Kuching, and has repeatedly encountered so-called "phantom slow drivers" in the right lane who refuse to give way—an issue that not only inconveniences road users, but also leads to unnecessary trouble and a risk of rear-end collisions.
"Many drivers may not know, or deliberately pretend not to know, that long-term driving in the right lane is illegal, even if they are not speeding," Ng said.
Ng bluntly noted that during his regular travel between Sri Aman and Kuching, he encounters drivers occupying the right lane at low speeds nearly every time, and even if vehicles behind flash their lights, these drivers remain unmoved.
"This behavior not only causes traffic congestion, but also increases the risk of dangerous overtaking and accidents. It is a typical example of uncivilized driving," he said.
He also pointed out a serious misconception among some drivers, who believe "as long as I am not speeding, I have every right to occupy the right lane", and even turn the blame on vehicles behind. This mindset must be corrected.
"The essential function of the right lane is for overtaking, not cruising. Regardless of whether one is at the speed limit, if not overtaking, they must return to the left lane. This is a basic driving rule."
Ng emphasized that law enforcement should implement the following measures:
· Enhance highway patrols and carry out immediate enforcement
· Set up targeted enforcement operations on key sections (such as the route between Sri Aman and Kuching)
· Strengthen public education through media and social platforms
· Make enforcement against this offense routine, rather than a periodic campaign
He believes only by combining "high-frequency enforcement + intensive education" can real change in driving culture be achieved.
Responding to the confusion of many drivers about "when did this rule start", Ng specifically looked into the legal origins. He explained that this is not a new regulation, but has been part of Malaysian traffic law for a long time.
According to existing information, the prohibition on vehicles occupying the right lane for extended periods can be traced back to the Road Traffic Rules 1959. Article 4A of these rules clearly defines standards for lane usage.
Additionally, to further regulate traffic, the Ministry of Transport gazetted this prohibition in 2015—especially to control heavy vehicles such as buses and lorries—banning them from the far right lane except when overtaking. Although this mainly targeted commercial vehicles at the time, the "keep left" principle has always applied to ordinary vehicles as well.
Ng reminded that in accordance with the Road Transport Act 1987, violators can be fined up to RM2,000 and even face up to 6 months’ imprisonment.
"The Traffic Police Chief has made it clear: regardless of whether you exceed the speed limit, if you are not overtaking, you must vacate the right lane," Ng stressed. "The police should make this enforcement routine—not just penalizing red-light running or speeding, but also correcting the bad habit of 'turtle-speed right lane hogging' to improve traffic flow."
He finally called on all drivers to uphold civic responsibility, abide by the principle of "Keep Left Unless Overtaking," and be civil and courteous road users.
Ng finally emphasized that ensuring road safety depends not only on the law, but also on its enforcement and the awareness of all citizens.
"The rules already exist—the real issue is whether they are firmly enforced. If strict control is not imposed, law-abiding road users will suffer while traffic order will only worsen."