KUCHING: The Sarawak Road Safety Campaign 2024 was inaugurated at the PETROS Darul Hana Station on April 3, in conjunction with the Hari Raya festive season, the Sarawak Public Communications Unit reported.
Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said that the campaign aims to enhance road safety awareness and curtail accident rates and fatalities, particularly during this period.
This initiative primarily targets vehicle drivers, motorcyclists, and food delivery riders. The Sarawak Road Safety Council and the Sarawak Ministry of Transport are leading this effort to instil the critical importance of safety among road users.
Lee reported a total of 5,278 accidents in Sarawak from Jan to March 2024, with damage-only incidents topping the list at 5,092 cases. This is followed by fatal accidents (75 cases), minor accidents (74 cases), and severe accidents (37 cases).
Given the upcoming Aidilfitri celebrations, he urged all motorists to exercise extreme caution. This includes conducting pre-trip vehicle checks to ensure optimal functionality and advocating for adequate rest and periodic breaks during long journeys to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
The minister expressed his desire for the campaign to cultivate a safety-first mentality among commuters, reducing dependence on road enforcement bodies.
Also, the ministry plans to conduct a detailed study on accident hotspots to assess weather, road, and geographical influences, which accounted for a small yet significant percentage of accidents last year. Collaborating with the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, the research will encompass all roadways, including the Pan Borneo Highway, to evaluate the impact of road infrastructure on accident rates.