Five Years of MyMAP: Consumer Awareness and Riders' Perceptions

Abstract

Motorcycles are a vital transportation mode in many low- and middle-income ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, where they make up nearly half of all registered vehicles but disproportionately contribute to road traffic injuries and fatalities. In response, Malaysia introduced the Malaysia Motorcycle Assessment Program (MyMAP), a consumer-focused star rating system aimed at promoting safer
motorcycles and encouraging industry compliance with safety standards. This study examines Malaysian motorcyclists’ awareness and perceptions of MyMAP, based on survey responses from 760 riders. Results show that only 25.3% of respondents have heard of MyMAP, but nearly half (50.9%) correctly identified its purpose as a motorcycle star rating program, indicating some recognition of the concept. However, only 19.1% demonstrated both awareness and accurate understanding, revealing a significant communication gap. Awareness was notably related to gender, education, occupation, and income, with higher awareness among women, lower-income groups, and those with less education. Online platforms were the main source of information (56.3%), highlighting the importance of digital outreach. Although most respondents supported the safety star rating idea and thought it could influence their purchasing decisions, nearly half (48.4%) said they would still buy a motorcycle with less than a five-star rating. These results emphasize the need for better consumer education, targeted outreach efforts, and integrating MyMAP ratings into purchasing decisions and policies to enhance its safety impact.