Penang Drivers and Riders Protest New 40 km/h Speed Limit, Citing Safety Risks and Unfair Summonses

Motorists across Penang have launched a strong call for review and reconsideration of a newly implemented 40 km/h speed limit on a critical highway ramp, describing the change as poorly planned, potentially hazardous, and financially burdensome. The restriction, which replaces the previous 80 km/h allowance, applies to the connecting ramp that links Jalan Tunku Kudin to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, heading toward the Penang Bridge, one of the busiest traffic corridors in the state.

Since the new limit came into force alongside the activation of speed enforcement cameras, there has been a noticeable spike in the number of speeding notices issued. Drivers and motorcyclists alike say they have been caught off‑guard by the abrupt drop in permitted speed, leading to widespread frustration and concerns over road safety.

Complaints of Insufficient Warning and Dangerous Conditions

According to reports from The Star, the main grievance raised by road users is the lack of adequate distance, clear advance signage, and transition zones to slow down safely from highway speeds. Many explain that vehicles are still travelling at around 70 to 80 km/h as they enter the ramp, and the short length of the curve leaves very little room to decelerate gradually.

To avoid being fined, some drivers report having to brake sharply at the last moment, while others say they are forced to slow down too early, creating bottlenecks that cause traffic to back up onto the main road. This combination of sudden braking and varying speeds, they warn, significantly increases the risk of rear‑end collisions, side‑swipes, and loss of control, especially during peak hours, when the ramp carries heavy volumes of cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.

“Even if you try to be careful, it’s almost impossible to go from 80 km/h to 40 km/h in such a short distance without slamming on the brakes,” said one regular commuter. “It feels like the limit is designed more to issue fines than to improve safety.”

On social media platforms, hundreds of Penang residents have shared photos of their summonses and described similar experiences, with many claiming they were unaware of the new restriction until they received notices in the mail weeks later.

Police Justify the Limit Based on Road Geometry

Despite the public outcry, Penang Police Chief Comm Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng has stood by the decision to set the speed limit at 40 km/h. In a statement, he explained that the measure was introduced after careful evaluation of the ramp’s physical characteristics.

“The ramp features a sharp and continuous bend,” Comm Datuk Lim said. “At higher speeds, vehicles, particularly motorcycles and heavy vehicles fa, face a greater risk of skidding, drifting out of their lane, or overturning, especially when the road surface becomes wet and slippery during rain. The limit is set to ensure that motorists can maintain full control throughout the curve.”

He added that while authorities understand the concerns raised, any adjustment to the speed limit cannot be made arbitrarily. “Changes must be based on detailed technical assessments, road engineering standards, and accident data. Safety is always our top priority, and the rules are there to protect everyone using the road.”

Authorities Step In to Review the Situation

The growing dissatisfaction prompted local representatives to intervene. Connie Tan Hooi Peng, the State Assemblywoman for Seri Delima, confirmed that her office had received dozens of complaints from constituents within just a few days of the limit being enforced. She immediately requested a joint site inspection involving the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), the Public Works Department (JKR), and traffic enforcement officers.

Following the inspection, Tan said the authorities acknowledged the public’s worries, even as LLM maintained that the 40 km/h restriction was originally set to match the ramp’s engineering design and safety specifications. However, after hearing firsthand accounts from commuters and reviewing the layout of the road, the agency agreed that further evaluation was necessary.

“We understand that the intention is to make the road safer, but we also have to consider whether the implementation is fair and practical,” Tan stated. “A good rule should not create new dangers or catch people by surprise. We need to look at whether additional warning signs, better road markings, or a gradual reduction in speed limits would work better than an immediate drop from 80 km/h to 40 km/h.”

Enforcement Temporarily Suspended for Review

In a welcome development for motorists, Connie Tan later announced that automatic speed camera enforcement at the location has been temporarily suspended. This pause will remain in effect while the relevant agencies conduct detailed studies, review traffic flow patterns, and assess whether adjustments to the limit or road infrastructure are required.

The temporary halt has been widely welcomed by the public, who view it as a chance for authorities to find a balanced solution. Many hope that the review will lead to a speed limit that is safe for the bend, but also realistic enough to keep traffic moving smoothly and reduce the risk of accidents caused by sudden deceleration.

Until the review is complete, motorists are being advised to exercise caution, reduce speed gradually, and stay alert for changes in road conditions. The outcome of the assessment is expected to be announced within the coming weeks, bringing clarity to one of Penang’s most debated traffic issues of the year.