Sight can deteriorate with age, brought on by numerous conditions, and motor-vehicle accidents due to health-related causes involving a particular age group, are common.
The Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology (MSO), however, added that poor vision could also affect those under the age of 60, and therefore, awareness in maintaining good vision for driving, should be the priority.
In a statement today signed by its president Dr Manoharan Shunmugam, and honorary secretary Dr Teh Wee Min, MSO said there were many drivers of all age groups who drove with sub-optimal vision, due to correctable visual pathology.
“The issue here should not be about age, but rather, if the individual is fit to drive, and his (or her) vehicle’s roadworthiness,” the statement read.
“Legislating a ‘stick’ in revoking licences with only age as a factor, and prior to stakeholder consultation and proper policies being in place, would be premature. Until such time, MSO would encourage members of the police and the Road Transport Department (RTD) to be more aware of vision-related conditions, which may require consultation with a healthcare professional.
“There are many aspects of vision beyond discerning letters and alphabets, which can affect driving, including contrast sensitivity and visual field, which should be taken into consideration. The MSO would be pleased to help build this awareness among the relevant government agencies.”
Bukit Aman traffic investigation and enforcement department director Datuk Azisman Alias recently proposed that special conditions be imposed to limit the issuance of driving licences to those aged 60 and above.
His proposal included requiring senior citizens to undergo a doctor’s examination to ensure they were healthy to drive. The justification for the move was based on the rising number of cases of motorists in their 60s and 70s driving against traffic flow.
MSO added drivers of heavy goods, and public service vehicles required more regular medical checks.
“MSO members have frequently encountered young patients still operating heavy machinery with levels of vision far below the legal limit. In Malaysia, patient confidentiality dictates that the onus is on the patient to report this to the authorities.
“The MSO would urge the public and the authorities to focus on accident prevention, which encompasses not just visual, cognitive and physical health, but also to ensure that vehicles and road conditions were optimal.
“Examples include the mandatory upkeep of vehicles and regulation of digital billboards that are in drivers’ line of sight, many of which are excessively bright. The need for private transportation can also be drastically reduced with the availability of viable alternatives, such as disabled-friendly infrastructure and good public transportation with ‘last-mile’ connectivity.”
Here are Twentytwo13’s news highlights today.
PM TABLES 12TH MALAYSIA PLAN
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob tabled the 12th Malaysia Plan today that will determine the country’s strategic direction for the next five years.
Highlights include:
- To make Malaysia a high-income nation by 2025 with an average household income of at least RM10,000 a month.
- To introduce a Malaysian Governance Index that will emphasise good governance among public institutions. The effort is to enhance public perception of the government, thus improving the nation’s ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index.
- The introduction of an anti-bribery management system standard to reduce the risk of bribery and to build trust among stakeholders, in line with internationally recognised standards and best practices against corruption.
- To build an infectious diseases institute in Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan, next year, as the National Vaccine Development Road Map is being finalised to ensure Malaysia can produce vaccines as part of preparations to face future pandemics.
- Restructuring and rearranging the functions in all ministries and government agencies to reduce red tape. Proposal to introduce Civil Service Act to be studied to ensure clear separation of powers between members of the administration and civil servants.
- Sugar tax will be expanded to include premix sugar products to reduce non-communicable disease (NCD) cases, subsequently improving people’s wellbeing. The government will also intensify obesity intervention programmes in schools, higher learning institutions, workplaces, and local community centres.
- Carbon tax to be introduced as Malaysia is committed to becoming a carbon-neutral country by 2050.
- Road map to reduce greenhouse emissions, and a national adaptation plan to be introduced to mitigate climate change.
- Development of green cities to be intensified, with the introduction of a green cities action plan.
LOWER NUMBER OF NEW COVID-19 CASES
A total of 10,959 Covid-19 cases were reported as of noon today.
The highest number of cases was reported in Sarawak – 2,723, followed by Johor (1,266).
Selangor reported 979 cases, followed by Kelantan (983), Penang (793), Sabah (751), Pahang (739), Perak (713), Terengganu (691), and Kedah (660).
10,000 DECLARED BANKRUPT SINCE MARCH 2020
A total of 10,317 people were declared bankrupt from March 2020 to July 2021.
In a reply in Parliament today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said a total of 1,246 businesses were also forced to close shop during the same period.
Ismail Sabri’s reply came following questions from DAP’s Kepong MP, Lim Lip Eng.
PRISONERS CHARGED WITH FELLOW INMATE’S MURDER
Two prisoners were charged at the Kuala Terengganu Sessions Court today for beating another inmate at the Marang Prison on Aug 21.
Adura Mustaffa, 39, and Azizul Danial Muhammad, 35, claimed trial to jointly causing the death of Hamiddi Kamaruddin, 48.
The charge was read out to them before Judge Nooriah Osman. Nov 3 was set for the re-mention of the case.
KIM SWEE AIMS TO MAKE AN IMPACT WITH SABAH TONIGHT
Datuk Ong Kim Swee is eager to secure three points in his first assignment as Sabah FC head coach as the Rhinos play Petaling Jaya City FC at the PJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya tonight.
“All the players showed a positive attitude and were willing to accept all the changes I made. This, of course, gives them a high level of confidence to enable them to showcase their true quality,” Ong said in a statement.
The former Harimau Muda and Harimau Malaya coach added there would be some changes in the starting line-up. He said the change in the pattern of play would help his boys achieve good results and restore the confidence of the supporters.
