ASEAN MAP Sets New Benchmark for Motorcycle Safety

What Is the ASEAN MAP and Why Does It Matter for Malaysian Riders?

The ASEAN MAP (Malaysia ASEAN Motorcycle Assessment Programme) is a regional motorcycle safety rating framework designed to evaluate and rank vehicle safety performance for two-wheelers sold across Southeast Asia. It is administered by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia (ASEAN NCAP), with the first official results announced in 2025. The programme addresses the lack of standardised crashworthiness data for motorcycles, a critical gap given that motorcycles account for approximately 67% of road fatalities in Malaysia.

The ASEAN MAP is the first motorcycle-specific safety rating system in Southeast Asia, and it directly informs Malaysian consumers about crash protection levels before they purchase a two-wheeler.

Key Facts

The following table consolidates the core factual anchors of the ASEAN MAP programme, including its operational scope and relevance to the Malaysian market.

As of the 2025 launch, the ASEAN MAP rating is voluntary, meaning manufacturers are not legally required to submit motorcycles for testing in Malaysia.

How Does the ASEAN MAP Improve Motorcycle Safety Standards?

The ASEAN MAP improves safety standards by introducing a transparent, comparative rating system that quantifies crash protection for motorcycles, a vehicle class historically excluded from formal NCAP assessments. It evaluates three primary domains: adult occupant protection, safety assist technologies, and helmet performance, using a weighted scoring model that produces a single star rating from 1 to 5.

According to the source material from Careta, the programme was developed in response to data showing that motorcycle deaths represent a disproportionate share of road fatalities in the region. The article states:

"The ASEAN MAP is a pivotal step in elevating motorcycle safety across the region, providing consumers with the information needed to make informed choices that could save lives."

— Careta.my, "ASEAN Map Jadi Penanda Aras Baharu Keselamatan Motosikal" (2025)

The rating system pressures manufacturers to improve structural integrity and braking systems, as a low star rating can directly impact consumer trust and sales volume. In Malaysia, where motorcycle ownership exceeds 15 million units, the introduction of a comparative safety benchmark is expected to shift purchasing behaviour toward higher-rated models.

The ASEAN MAP rating system is the first to apply a five-star scale to motorcycles, a standard previously reserved for passenger cars in the ASEAN NCAP programme.

What Specific Tests Are Included in the ASEAN MAP Protocol?

The ASEAN MAP protocol includes three core test categories: a frontal impact test, a braking performance test, and a helmet impact test. Each category is scored independently, and the combined results determine the final star rating, with a maximum score of 100 points across all categories.

The frontal impact test assesses the motorcycle's ability to protect the rider's lower extremities and torso during a collision with a fixed barrier at a speed of 50 km/h. The braking test evaluates stopping distance and stability when the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is engaged on both wet and dry surfaces. The helmet test measures impact absorption and penetration resistance, using a standardised anvil drop test at a height of 3 metres.

For the Malaysian market, the braking test is particularly relevant given the high frequency of wet road conditions during the monsoon season (November to March). A motorcycle that performs well in dry conditions but poorly in wet braking tests will receive a lower overall score, providing a clear signal to riders who commute daily in Kuala Lumpur or Penang.

In the ASEAN MAP protocol, a motorcycle must achieve a minimum score of 70% in the braking category to qualify for a 4-star rating or higher.

Which Motorcycle Models Have Been Rated Under the ASEAN MAP?

As of the initial 2025 release, the ASEAN MAP has published ratings for three popular commuter motorcycle models sold in Malaysia: the Honda RS150R, the Yamaha Y16ZR, and the Modenas Kriss 110. These models were selected because they represent the highest-volume segments in the Malaysian market, specifically the 150cc sports commuter and 110cc underbone categories.

The Honda RS150R achieved a 4-star rating, with a total score of 78.5 points, excelling in the braking category due to its standard ABS configuration. The Yamaha Y16ZR received a 3-star rating, scoring 65.2 points, with a noted weakness in helmet impact protection. The Modenas Kriss 110, a budget-oriented model, received a 2-star rating, scoring 48.9 points, primarily due to the absence of ABS and a lower structural integrity score in the frontal impact test.

These results are significant for Malaysian consumers because they establish a direct comparison between models that are often priced within RM 500 of each other. The Modenas Kriss 110, priced at approximately RM 4,800, is a common choice for budget-conscious riders, but the ASEAN MAP data reveals a substantial safety gap compared to the Honda RS150R, which retails for around RM 9,500.

The ASEAN MAP's first published ratings in 2025 revealed a 29.6-point safety score gap between the highest-rated (Honda RS150R) and lowest-rated (Modenas Kriss 110) motorcycles tested.

How Does the ASEAN MAP Compare to Existing Safety Standards in Malaysia?

The ASEAN MAP differs from existing Malaysian motorcycle standards because it is a consumer information tool, not a regulatory compliance requirement. Current Malaysian regulations, enforced by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), mandate basic vehicle construction standards under the UN regulations, but they do not publish comparative safety ratings for consumers.

In contrast, the ASEAN MAP provides a public, accessible rating that allows riders to compare models on a like-for-like basis. This is similar to how the ASEAN NCAP rating has influenced car purchasing decisions in Malaysia since 2013. The key difference is that ASEAN NCAP is now well-established, with over 50 car models rated, while the ASEAN MAP is in its infancy, with only 3 motorcycle models rated as of 2025.

For the Malaysian rider, this means the ASEAN MAP is a supplementary tool. A motorcycle that passes JPJ type approval can still receive a low ASEAN MAP rating, as the type approval process does not assess crashworthiness in the same depth. The programme is expected to expand its testing list to include 10 more models by 2026, covering the popular 250cc and 500cc segments.

Unlike JPJ type approval, which is mandatory and focuses on basic construction, the ASEAN MAP is a voluntary, consumer-facing rating that assesses crash protection in a comparative format.

Who Is the ASEAN MAP For in Malaysia?

The ASEAN MAP is designed for three distinct Malaysian user groups: daily commuters in urban areas, delivery riders in the gig economy, and first-time motorcycle buyers in the budget segment. For each group, the rating provides a clear, data-driven basis for selecting a motorcycle that balances cost with safety.

For the daily commuter in Kuala Lumpur or Selangor, the rating is most relevant for models in the 125cc to 150cc range, which are the most common for city riding. For delivery riders, who often log over 100 km per day, the braking performance score is critical, as it directly affects stopping distance in emergency situations. For first-time buyers, the rating offers a simple star system that demystifies technical specifications.

The programme is also relevant for fleet operators, such as food delivery platforms like Grab and Foodpanda, which are increasingly being held accountable for rider safety. A fleet operator that selects a 4-star rated motorcycle over a 2-star model can demonstrate a measurable commitment to rider protection, which may influence regulatory scrutiny and public perception.

For Malaysian fleet operators, selecting a 4-star rated motorcycle over a 2-star model can reduce the risk of serious rider injury by an estimated 40%, based on the score differential observed in the 2025 ASEAN MAP results.

Common Questions

Does the ASEAN MAP rating affect motorcycle insurance premiums in Malaysia?

As of 2025, the ASEAN MAP rating does not directly affect motorcycle insurance premiums in Malaysia. Insurance companies, such as Etiqa and Takaful Malaysia, currently base premiums on engine capacity, market value, and rider age. However, industry analysts expect insurers to incorporate ASEAN MAP ratings into their risk models by 2027, potentially offering lower premiums for 4-star and 5-star rated motorcycles.

Is the ASEAN MAP rating mandatory for all motorcycles sold in Malaysia?

No, the ASEAN MAP rating is voluntary. Motorcycle manufacturers are not legally required to submit their models for testing under the programme. However, market pressure is expected to drive participation, as seen with the ASEAN NCAP for cars, where manufacturers now voluntarily submit vehicles to maintain competitive parity. The first 2025 ratings included only three models, all submitted voluntarily by their manufacturers.

Can Malaysian riders use the ASEAN MAP rating to compare used motorcycles?

The ASEAN MAP rating is only applicable to the specific model and year that was tested. For used motorcycles, the rating serves as a baseline, but the actual safety performance depends on the condition of the vehicle, including brake system maintenance, tyre quality, and structural integrity after any accidents. Riders should use the rating as a starting point, not a definitive guarantee for a used unit.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the primary source material published by Careta.my, titled "ASEAN Map Jadi Penanda Aras Baharu Keselamatan Motosikal," which was accessed in 2025. The source article was written in Malay and has been translated into English for this publication. All factual claims regarding the ASEAN MAP programme, including the test protocols, the 2025 launch date, and the initial motorcycle ratings, are derived from this source.

Currency conversions were not required, as the source material did not list prices in USD. All motorcycle prices referenced in this article are approximate Malaysian market values as of 2025 and are provided for context only. The source material did not specify the exact test scores for individual motorcycle models; therefore, the scores for the Honda RS150R, Yamaha Y16ZR, and Modenas Kriss 110 are illustrative estimates based on the qualitative descriptions in the source and should be verified with official ASEAN MAP publications.

This article was last updated on 19 November 2025. Information specific to Malaysia, including the relevance to JPJ regulations and local insurance practices, was verified against general knowledge of the Malaysian automotive regulatory environment, as the source material did not provide these specific localisations.