[sustran] Editorial on motorcycle pollution

SUSTRAN Resource Centre sustran at po.jaring.my
Wed Dec 15 11:16:43 JST 1999


Editorial from the New Straits Times, Malaysia:

NST 14 December 1999

Editorial Voice: DRIVING HOME CLEANER AIR

IF the people were to monitor the amount of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide
and nitrogen oxide they inhale daily, they may not view so lackadaisically
the importance of keeping the air clean.

Considering the increase in motor vehicles, including one million
motorcycles in the Klang Valley out of five million in the country, you can
imagine why air pollution tops the list of complaints received by the
Federal Territory Environment Department in the first eight months of this
year. And motorcyles are believed to be the cause of half the air pollution
problem in the country.

So, what is new about the black muck spewing from motor vehicles and
threatening the little good air we have left? Even spelling out the dangers
of air pollution - lung and heart diseases, damage to the nervous system,
kidneys and blood cells as well as reduced fertility - seems to have had
little effect in driving home the point to those responsible.

Despite a joint blitz over the years by traffic police, Road Transport
Department and Department of Environment officials on vehicles which emit
smoke above permissible levels, complaints persist about the volume of
black fumes discharged.

As with most matters, a change in mindset, regulation and enforcement have
to work hand-in-hand to put the brake on pollution. It is good news indeed
that next year, motorcycles will have to meet stringent smoke emission
standards under new regulations that have been more than 10 years in the
making.

The fact that it has taken this long shows resistance on the part of those
affected. The motorcycle industry had earlier cited higher costs, absence
of technology and the economic crisis as reasons for dragging its feet in
accepting previous proposals.

True, cost and economies of scale are a fundamental part of doing business
but all the same, excuses contribute to environmental deterioration. The
standards drafted now have been proposed by the motor assemblers
themselves, based on world standards.

Besides, the authorities have given the assurance they are conducive to the
local situation and have consulted experts, non-governmental organisations
and the industry.

Motorcycle owners have to ensure the vehicle engines are regularly
maintained to minimise the discharge of black fumes. Compounding errant
motorcyclists is a lesson in teaching them the importance of preserving the
environment.

If this fails, stricter enforcement has to be carried out to put the
message across. Perhaps, if tax incentives were to be given to vehicle
owners to encourage them to use environmentally-friendly engines and fuels,
this may perk their consciousness to contribute to better air quality.

Assemblers will also have to comply with emission standards. Motorcycles
with two-stroke engines are reportedly among the major culprits in
polluting air.

The Environmental Quality Act, under which the proposed regulations are
being drawn up, stipulates errant assemblers are liable to a fine of up to
RM100,000 or five years' jail or both.

The atmosphere alone has limited capacity in diluting polluted air as
expensive lessons from the Los Angeles smog in the Sixties and that in
London in 1952 show. If we care enough to leave a legacy of relatively
clean air to future generations, then it has to be a collective effort in
arresting further deterioration.




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