Is video telematics mandatory in Southeast Asia?

Not universally. However, Malaysia has announced a mandate requiring dashcams for all commercial and public transport vehicles starting in early 2026, signalling a broader regulatory shift across the region.

How does video telematics reduce insurance costs?

By providing objective video evidence during incidents, fleets can more reliably establish non-liability, which reduces legal fees and allows for more favorable negotiations with insurance providers.

Can drivers turn the camera off?

Many professional systems include physical privacy covers that drivers can use during their federally mandated rest periods or downtime to ensure personal space.

Fleet Optimization

Why Video Telematics is the Future of Fleet Safety in Southeast Asia

By Geotab Team

Feb 4, 2026

Key Insights

Regulatory Pressure: With Malaysia’s 2026 dashcam mandate on the horizon, the region is shifting toward a more regulated environment where video evidence becomes standard for commercial vehicles.
Operational Savings: Beyond safety, video telematics reduces operational cost leakage by reducing insurance premiums, limiting fuel wastage in high-congestion cities like Jakarta and Manila , and minimising costly vehicle downtime.
Earning Driver Trust: Far from acting as "Big Brother," these systems serve as a professional shield, exonerating drivers from false liability claims in complex and often chaotic traffic environments.
The Bottom Line: For fleets operating in 2025 and beyond, video telematics has become a core tool for building a culture of accountability while protecting the company's bottom line against the unpredictability of roads in Southeast Asia (SEA).

As Southeast Asian roads become increasingly congested and regulatory requirements continue to tighten, video telematics is moving from a "nice-to-have" to an essential tool. It provides the critical context fleets need to reduce insurance costs, combat driver fatigue, and protect both drivers and assets in dense urban hubs like Jakarta and Manila.

The region’s dynamic economies and complex logistics present unique challenges that go well beyond traditional fleet management. From the high-volume corridors of Java to the industrial hubs of Thailand and the archipelago routes of the Philippines, operating safely and efficiently demands greater visibility, foresight and precision. In a region where road conditions, driving behaviors and regulatory landscapes vary wildly, context is no longer optional. This is where video telematics has emerged as an indispensable tool for forward-thinking fleets in the region.

Invisible Risks: Looking Closer at SEA Road Realities

Discussions with fleet operators across the region reveal a stark reality: road risk is rising and drivers are operating under increasing pressure. In markets such as the Philippines, accident volumes have risen sharply to over 31,000 incidents in 2024, driven largely by human error, with 76% of regional accidents attributed to poor driving habits like speeding, illegal overtaking, and mobile phone use.

In Thailand, driver fatigue is now the third leading cause of crashes, sparking national safety campaigns like “Don’t Drive Drowsy – Stay Awake, Stay Alive”. These behavioural risks are further compounded by ageing regional fleets in the region. In Singapore, for instance, 25% of commercial vehicles are now over a decade old, increasing vulnerability to mechanical issues when operating under heavy loads and demanding road conditions.

Savings on top of Safety

These statistics represent more than just safety risks – they translate directly into operational and financial strain. Implementing video telematics allows fleets to address these costs at their root.

Eliminating Downtime Costs: Every unscheduled vehicle stop results in lost revenue and delivery disruption. Video-enabled insights help identify risky driving behaviours and maintenance issues early, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and extended downtime.
Mitigating Congestion Costs: In hubs like Jakarta and Metro Manila, drivers can lose over 100 hours annually due to gridlock. Video monitoring encourages smoother driving, better route adherence and reduced idling and fuel wastage.
Lowering Insurance Premiums: Objective video evidence quickly establishes liability following an accident. This often leads to faster claims resolution, reduced legal costs, and more favourable insurance outcomes over time.

Malaysia’s 2026 Dashcam Mandate: A Signal for the Region

Based on data from enforcement agencies and industry publications, it is increasingly clear that video telematics is no longer optional. Governments across the region are raising safety standards, with video monitoring becoming a key pillar of regulatory compliance

A major shift is already in motion with Malaysia's 2026 Mandate: Starting in the first quarter of 2026, Malaysia plans to require dashcams in all buses, lorries, and public transport vehicles to improve road safety and accountability. This regulation sets an important precedent for the entire SEA region, signalling a future where integrated video solutions are likely to become the standard across both domestic and cross-border logistics.

How Video Telematics Protects Driver Privacy and Reputation

Implementing these in-cab systems often sparks concerns about driver privacy. However, modern video telematics solutions are designed to support drivers and act as a safety shield rather than a surveillance tool.

Privacy Controls: Modern hardware often includes physical camera covers that can be closed, allowing drivers to maintain personal space during rest periods or downtime.
A Shield Against False Claims: In congested, unpredictable traffic environments, fleet drivers are frequently exposed to disputed or false liability claims. Video footage provides objective evidence, replacing unreliable witness accounts with clear, factual records that protect both the driver’s reputation and the fleet’s interests.