SHAH ALAM (June 13): The Transport Ministry may revive the cash-for-clunkers programme, which is a cash rebate system to reduce the number of old cars on the road.

The Ministry will need to consider various issues before rolling out the programme as it "could bring about many implications", said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

"There is no decision made on this as yet but I have been briefed that there are some plans related to this," Loke told reporters after visiting Plus Malaysia Bhd to observe the traffic flow along the North-South Expressway (NSE).

The cash-for-clunkers is a moniker for a government-driven car allowance rebate system, which is an initiative to scrap old cars on the road.

Under the initiative, car owners will be given a cash voucher to trade in old cars — which is usually more than 10 years old — in exchange for a new ones.

The last time such a scheme was implemented in the country was in 2009, when Proton Holdings Bhd — through its Proton Xchange programme — offered a cash rebate of RM5,000 for cars aged more than 10 years old in exchange for a new Proton Saga or Persona.

It was reported that there are more than 10 million cars aged more than 10 years old on the Malaysian road.

Separately, Loke said Plus expects between 1.9 million and 2.2 million cars to use the NSE during the Aidilfitri season.

"We are seeing more cars on our road in conjunction with the 'balik kampung' festive period by the motorists, as well as the 50% discount on tolls roads for two days, starting from yesterday," he added.

Loke said there are 150 cameras on the NSE to monitor the traffic conditions, which is equivalent to around one camera per 10km.

"We are watching movement by the motorists and we are ready to catch those who violate the traffic laws," he added

Since the Government launched the 13th Ops Selamat on June 8, Loke said the Road Transport Department has issued 11,782 summonses related to various traffic offences.

During the festive season, Loke said vehicles weighing more than 7,500kg will be banned from the roads, while selected lorries are allowed at certain hours.

"This is to prevent extreme congestion on the roads," he added.

As for implementing a new child seat law, Loke said the Government has yet to decide on the matter.

"We are studying this but the law, for now, it has not been enforced," he added.