Kuala Lumpur, December 16, 2024 – Road safety remains a critical concern in Malaysia, with over 532,000 road accidents recorded between January and October 2024, including 5,364 fatal incidents. Motorcyclists and pedestrians remain the most vulnerable road users, accounting for 68% of these fatalities[1]. Recognizing the urgent need for change, TotalEnergies Malaysia, in collaboration with Arus Academy, launched the VIA Safe Mobility program in 2022, localizing the curriculum to address the country’s road safety challenges. This initiative aligns with TotalEnergies’ core value of Safety, fostering a culture of awareness and action among young Malaysians. To date, the VIA program has engaged 11,964 students through the Ministry of Education’s DELiMA platform, which provides free, interactive digital resources to schools, fostering engaging learning experiences and supporting curriculum-based education.
Jennifer Li, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Malaysia said, “Road safety is central to TotalEnergies’ commitment to the communities we serve. Creating safer roads begins with youth education and empowerment. Programs like VIA foster a culture of safe road usage among our youths by enabling them with the tools to advocate positive changes. Together, we hope to build a future where our roads are safer for everyone.”
“The VIA program is about empowering students to take charge of their own environments,” said Alina Amir, CEO and Co-Founder of Arus Academy. “The solutions proposed by the students show how young minds, when given the right tools and guidance, can address real-world problems creatively and effectively.”
This year, at the VIA Safe Mobility program, students from SJK(C) Kwang Hwa, Sungai Nibong, Penang, were awarded an EUR 5,000 grant at the national level to improve school road safety. As national champions, they advanced to the regional competition, where they emerged victorious, earning the title of regional champions and securing a place in the global finals. Competing against teams from Angola, Brazil, Lebanon, Madagascar, and Morocco, they presented their innovative road safety solutions on an international stage, showcasing their ideas to global peers, policymakers, and industry leaders.
At the forefront of this movement are the Primary 6 students from SJK(C) Kwang Hwa, Sungai Nibong, Penang. Under the guidance of their teacher mentor, Ms. Chan Hui Lee, supported by two dedicated teachers, Ms. Lee Hooi Ching and Ms. Phang Poh Choo, the team—comprising Tan Jie Ling, Low Zi Ning, Oon Xin Jie, Tai Chee Ying, and Tan Zhi Ling— tackled their school’s road safety challenges with creativity and determination. Their journey began by observing road safety concerns faced by their schoolmates and community, from traffic congestion to pedestrian safety, and evolved into a mission to create meaningful change through innovative, student-led solutions.
The inspiration to join this program came from the school principal, Madam Leong Sook Luan, whose vision laid the foundation for the students’ participation. “The heavy traffic conditions outside our school have always been a concern, and I realized this program could empower our students to take meaningful actions. I encouraged our teachers and students to collaborate, form a dedicated team, and participate wholeheartedly in this initiative to make a difference,” said Leong.
Traffic congestion, high vehicle speeds and motorists disregarding pedestrians’ safety around the school vicinity are persistent daily problems facing the local community around SJK(C) Kwang Hwa, Sungai Nibong, Penang. Without designated pedestrian crossings, students and parents often had to cautiously navigate speeding vehicles.
Targeting these specific challenges, the students proposed several innovative solutions including the installation of an automatic barrier gate to manage traffic flow and a prominent sign reading “AWAS Palang Automatik” (Caution: Automatic Barrier) to capture road users’ attention. Additionally, they proposed painting an orange zone on the road 100 meters before the pedestrian traffic light to alert drivers about the upcoming barrier. This measure also signals drivers to slow down and prepare for the school zone ahead.
Guided by TotalEnergies Malaysia and Arus Academy, the students launched advocacy efforts to refine and implement their solutions. They engaged local representatives to support their initiatives, collaborated with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to secure necessary permits for road and pavement modifications, and worked with Bike Commute Malaysia, a grassroots organization advocating for sustainable urban mobility, to gain insights and advice on enhancing their prototype. YB Tuan Kumaresan Arumugam, ADUN Batu Uban, provided valuable feedback on the feasibility of the students’ solutions and their alignment with local infrastructure policies. His insights highlighted the importance of community engagement and practical implementation, motivating the students to refine their solutions to better meet the needs of the school and surrounding area. These efforts fostered a safer, more informed community and brought the students’ vision closer to reality.
With the EUR 5,000 grant, the students will use the funds to turn their vision into reality, addressing critical road safety concerns in their community and creating a safer environment for their peers and local residents.
This achievement reflects the power of collaboration, innovation, and youth advocacy in shaping safer communities. Through the VIA Safe Mobility program, TotalEnergies continues to demonstrate its leadership in fostering safety, sustainability, and community engagement worldwide.
[1] https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2364293
