KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has reiterated the crucial role of road users in preventing accidents, stressing the ongoing efforts of continuous road safety awareness campaigns.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts in constructing and maintaining road infrastructure, he highlighted the need for road users to prioritise safety, especially during festive seasons.
“We do know that with the increased number of cars and motorbikes, naturally, there will be an increase in the number of road accidents.
“The question is why are there so many accidents? But why in certain countries even where there are a lot of motorcars there are fewer accidents?
“So, while the Sarawak government is trying to do so much for road safety, I would like to urge everyone, especially with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration, to drive and ride responsibly,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating at the Kuching Division-level Road Safety Awareness Campaign in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration at the Petronas Sungai Maong Station here today.
Dr Sim, who is the Batu Kawah assemblyman, cited statistics revealing a rise in road accidents in Kuching, with 6,054 recorded last year compared to 5,444 in 2022.
“The most frequently involved vehicles in accidents are motorcycles, followed by cars, multipurpose vehicles (MPVs), and others,” he added.
Apart from that, he said in the first six months of last year, there were 355 fatal accidents recorded along the Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway.
The campaign targeted vehicle drivers, motorcycle riders, p-hailing, and e-hailing drivers or riders, providing them with information on road safety. Motorcycle riders received free helmets and goodie bags during the event.
Among those present were Deputy Minister of Transport (Road and Aviation) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, Kuching Resident Norleha Shariff, Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) chairman Tan Kai, and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
