Fact Check: Are Malaysians Allowed to Ride a Motorbike Without a Helmet If They're Wearing a 'Kopiah'?

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A video recently went viral showing a man stopping at a red light on his motorcycle on a zebra crossing, accompanied by a traffic policeman.

While he committed an offence by stopping a vehicle on a zebra crossing, what really caught netizens’ attention was that he was riding without a helmet while wearing a ‘kopiah’, prompting some to question why the policeman didn’t take action.

But the bigger question is: Can someone actually get fined for not wearing a helmet if they’re wearing religious headgear? Here’s what you need to know.

1. A Mufti was caught riding without a helmet in 2017

A similar incident happened in 2017 when a photo went viral showing the then Federal Territories Mufti, Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri, riding pillion on a motorcycle without a helmet, captured by another road user, according to Malaysia Gazette.

He faced public backlash but later took to social media to explain the situation and his reason for not wearing a helmet at the time.

2. “We would like to apologise to PDRM and JPJ”

Taking to his Facebook account, Zulkifli apologised to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) for his actions.

3. “He doesn’t need to apologise”

Following the apology, local media reported that the Director-General of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) at the time, Datuk Seri Nadzri Siron, responded by pointing out that Zulkifli had not committed any offence.

4. Does wearing religious headgear exempt you from wearing a helmet?

According to Nadzri, Zulkifli didn’t commit any offence because there’s an exemption for helmet use when it comes to religious matters.

5. 1973 Helmet Rules actually offer flexibility for religious headgear

Nadzri further explained that under the Motorcycle (Helmet) Rules 1973, read together with the 1975 Exemption, flexibility is granted to those who wear headgear for religious purposes, such as turbans. Among others, these apply to hajj pilgrims, religious scholars (lebai), and Sikhs.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments!

Also read: Teen Motorcyclists Seen Dangerously Riding Without Helmets on Middle of Selayang Highway