KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: MOTORCYCLISTS using Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, may be in for a surprise when they are stopped by police on Thursday.

The surprise is they may be handed luminous safety vests instead of a summons.

The Ampang Rotary Club will be distributing 300 vests to motorcyclists at 10.30am at the Grand Maya Hotel.

The vests, costing RM10,000, will be given away with the help of the Jalan Bandar traffic police and the hotel’s management.

A Rotary Club spokesman said urban commuters going to work early in the morning and returning home late in the evening faced risks on the road, with motorcyclists especially vulnerable to serious injury when involved in accidents.

"Just along Jalan Ampang, reports of incidents involving vehicles and motorcyclists are a daily affair," he said. "Rotary believes in the motto that if motorists can be more aware of each other, fewer accidents will occur."

It was for this reason that the Rotary International District 3300 in Malaysia assigned the Ampang Rotary Club to be the anchor club to undertake this project of protection for motorcyclists.

To celebrate 100 years of service by Rotary International this year and to show that "Rotary Cares," 4,000 vests will be distributed nationwide by Rotary clubs.

Corporate sponsors of the vests are being sought. Those interested can call Donny Kwa (012-322 7883 or 03-2166 8199).

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