KUALA LUMPUR: Suggestions to increase the number of Automated Awareness Safety System (Awas) cameras nationwide are being studied by the government, says Datuk Hasbi Habibollah.

The Deputy Transport Minister said this was based on various studies conducted, adding that the total number was subject to how many were needed in the long term alongside the financial impact incurred from installing them.

"God willing, we will be increasing the number of Awas cameras. They are also proven effective as existing ones achieved a 99% adherence rate by motorists in areas where the cameras are located.

"We will also carry out other enforcement measures such as roadblocks in tandem," he said in response to a supplementary question by Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun (PH-Port Dickson) in Parliament on Tuesday (June 6).

Hasbi earlier said that of the 45 existing Awas cameras, 44 were currently functioning with one under maintenance.

Studies by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), he said, also found a more than 99% adherence rate among motorists towards speed limits and traffic lights in areas where the cameras were located.

He added that Awas cameras were mainly to ensure motorists safety when travelling in black-spots where fatal accidents have previously occurred.

Separately, Hasbi said both the Transport Ministry and Works Ministry were studying the need to establish dedicated motorcycle lanes on highways.

"Wherever we can build motorcycle lanes, we may do it. This is currently being studied.

"As an engineer myself however, I know that not all parts of the highway may be suitable for this, but instead, there may be specific stretches for the motorcycle lanes," he said in response to a supplementary question by Zakri Hassan (PN-Kangar).