PETALING JAYA: It is unfair to limit the issuance of driving licences to senior citizens simply on the basis of their age alone, say groups, as they question the statistics of elderly drivers contributing to road accidents in the country.

       Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said while he appreciated that the police are looking into ways to reduce road accidents, it is, however, unnecessary to have legislation to limit the number of elderly drivers.

       He said limiting the issuance of driving licences according to age alone is unfair as many seniors are healthy, fit to drive and are active contributing members of society.

       Compelling senior citizens to get a medical check-up and be declared fit to drive by a doctor is also impractical during this Covid-19 pandemic as hospitals and clinics are high-risk places for this age group, Lee said.

       “To be fair, they should just leave it to the individuals to decide.

       “But if the police’s proposal is to be implemented, then they must look at the health of the driver and not just at the age.

       “I think it’s unfair to suggest that there should be a limited number of driving licences issued for those who are 70 years old and above,” he said.

       Lee also questioned how many road accidents had been caused by senior citizens, adding that irresponsible motorists breaking traffic laws and drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol contributed to the majority of road mishaps.

       He added that it should also be taken into account that Malaysia is heading towards an ageing population and thus, healthy ageing and the mobility of seniors must be encouraged.

       “There will be more and more seniors; we should find ways to help them as they must be mobile and can’t just depend on their kids to drive them around.

       “Further, not all the pensioners can afford to employ a driver or use ride-hailing services each time they need to go out,” Lee added.

       Sarawak Gerontology and Geriatrics Society president Dennis Tan said the proposal is unfair as there are no statistics showing senior citizens are among the main contributors to road accidents in the country.

       Instead of going after senior citizens, Tan said the police should go after mentally ill persons, substance abusers and repeated traffic offenders as they are more likely to cause road accidents than senior citizens.

       “It is our belief that most road accidents are caused by young people driving recklessly, overtaking along narrow roads, speeding or beating traffic lights, or even when they are drunk.

       “We also feel that it is too much to single out senior citizens to undergo a medical check-up and get the doctor’s confirmation of their health conditions before they can be issued with the licences,” said Tan.

       He said the health issue such as blurred vision is not a reason to stop senior citizens from renewing their licences as this can be rectified by glasses, just like anyone else having sight problems.

       If such conditions were to be imposed on senior citizens, Tan said they should also apply equally to younger people as there are many of them having similar health issues.