Keep working towards reducing road accidents, Huang tells enforcement agencies

by · Borneo Post Online
Michael (standing centre) with Christopher on his right and other guests in a group photo with four participants of the MyLesen B2 programme, who were presented with helmets and vests during the event.

SARIKEI (Nov 20): Various road safety campaigns and programmes have been carried out by the government, meant to raise public awareness on the matter, said Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii.

The Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister and Sarikei MP said despite the government’s efforts, there are road users who continue to flout traffic rules and regulations, leading to accidents.

“Therefore, all enforcement agencies must continue performing their duties and collaborate in efforts to reduce road accidents, and to ensure that road users comply with established traffic laws and regulations,” he said.

Huang said this in a speech for the closing of the MyLesen B2 programme and Road Transport Department (JPJ) Sarikei’s Digitalisation Randau 2024 programme here on Sunday.

The text of his speech was read by Sarikei Resident Datu Michael Ronnie Langgong.

Adding on, Huang said road accidents in Malaysia result in approximately 6,000 deaths annually, which translates to roughly 19 to 20 deaths per day.

“According to data from the Royal Malaysia Police in 2023, the number of fatal road accidents was 6,024, an increase of 9.46 per cent as compared to the previous year’s 5,671 cases. Of this number, 4,489 fatal accidents involved motorcyclists,” he said.

For Sarawak, he said a total of 21,418 road accidents were recorded last year, of which 378 were fatal involving 198 motorcyclists.

He also reminded the community to practise responsible and considerate driving for the safety of all road users.

Also present at the event was Sarawak JPJ senior management division chief Christopher Boniface Barau.