Satellite navigation app Waze has become a hugely popular among local drivers in Malaysia, given its ease of use and general reliability in assisting those behind the wheel to get from where they are to where they need to be, especially in uncharted territory.
With that said, its prevalent use has also been chalked up to its ability to allow fellow Waze users to report on all manner of traffic incidents and occurrences, including road accidents and yes, police roadblocks.
Motorists urged not to reveal location of roadblocks by PDRM on Waze
However, the Royal Malaysian Police aren’t quite so thrilled with the community-driven updates that are found on the Waze app and have taken to advising motorists against revealing roadblock locations mounted by traffic enforcement officers through the navigation service, reports local news agency BERNAMA.
According to Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim, the act of reporting on roadblock locations through Waze will hamper the authority’s efforts in identifying drivers who are driving under the influence of alcohol or committing other forms of traffic offenses. He adds that road users should be made aware of the dangers that can arise as a consequence of drunk driving, running red lights, driving against traffic, and other wrongdoings.
“Individuals who have never been affected by the tragedy brought on by the negligence of traffic offenders will never understand the anguish and misery that the families of victims will face.” he said during his speech for the ‘High Profile Policing’ event that was held at Wonderland Park in Taman Sri Murni on Saturday (January 28th, 2023).
Instead, he urges motorists to cooperate with law-enforcement officers, instead of aiding those who have committed wrongdoings when taking the wheel.
Netizens argue roadblocks that close off multiple lanes of traffic lead to congestion
Netizen reactions to the suggestions have been divided, with some pointing out that Waze users update the location of roadblocks as they tend to cause traffic congestions when they close off multiple lanes on a roadway, which could lead to delays in travel time.
“It’s fair if the police open multiple lanes to avoid congestion. Nevermind the fact that they always do their roadblocks during peak hours. Other people have important matters to deal with too. Some people need to fetch their kids. Some people need to fetch their parents. People aren’t inherently afraid of roadblocks. If they don’t do any wrong. But people run from roadblocks as they are afraid of being caught in a jam.”
“People report on Waze as they [roadblocks] really do disrupt the traffic. The other day there was a roadblock at the Duta Toll Plaza, from 13 lanes it became 2 lanes. That’s stupidity that even I can’t fathom.”
“PDRM needs to take note of this too. Not everyone has the privilege of time to waste on the road.
Some work, not all employers can tolerate lateness due to roadblocks.
Some are customers, not all can wait in cars for extended periods of time.
Law enforcement has to be rational.”
“Imagine if updating roadblock locations becomes outlawed, and some private cars are trying to send a patient for treatment. And that car inevitably becomes caught in a traffic jam caused by a roadblock. What then? Not everyone has the time or money to use an ambulance.”
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