MIRI: Sarawak has witnessed a surge in road accidents in 2023, with a total of 21,418 cases, marking a 9.8 percent increase from the previous year’s 19,507 incidents.
Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin said the data revealed a breakdown of accidents, with the highest recorded in the category of breakdown accidents at 20,563 cases, followed by fatal accidents (378 cases), minor accidents (327 cases), and severe accidents (150 cases).
He said this issue will be given priority by his Ministry for the year 2024.
“We can see that most (accident categories) are increasing, and this is something that needs to be attended to.
“We will continue to hold a campaign so that traffic safety awareness is taken seriously by all road users,” he said when met by reporters during the state level Road Safety Campaign on Friday.
Lee also said there is a trend where individuals tend to adhere to road rules only in the presence of law enforcement such as the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
Therefore, he urged a shift in mindset where compliance with the rules is for personal safety, rather than fear of law enforcements.
On the campaign, Lee said it is held to remind road users to always drive carefully and prioritise road safety.
“This campaign is to warn users against the increased number of various vehicles on the road causing an increased risk of accidents if they do not drive more carefully,” he said.
During the event, Lee distributed safety vests and helmets to road users passing through the gas station in addition to handing out hampers in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.
Also present was Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport (Air and Land) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Deputy Minister of Women, Children and Community Welfare I (Women and Children Development) Datuk Rosey Yunus, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Sarawak Ministry of Transport Selamat Jati Yanjah and Miri Resident Jamalie Busri.
