Road safety must be daily, not just festive seasons, says S'wak Transport Minister
MIRI (May 31): Road safety must be embraced as a daily responsibility, not just during festive seasons, and every life saved is the result of a collective effort, said Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
While the government continues to improve infrastructure and run awareness campaigns, the real impact depends on the commitment and responsibility of all road users, he said.
Lee, also the Senadin assemblyman made the remarks during a road safety campaign held in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak celebration at Permy Mall here today.
As part of the campaign, regulated helmets, safety vests, and reflective straps, sponsored by Sarawak Petroleum Berhad (Petros), were distributed to riders and drivers to encourage safer road practices.
Citing statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police, Lee said Miri recorded 1,120 road accident cases from January to April this year, marking a reduction of 48 cases or 4.1 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.
'Fatal accidents dropped from 19 to 14, while serious and minor injury cases also decreased,' he said, urging motorists to remain alert, especially along Miri's top five accident-prone roads – Jalan Pan Borneo, Jalan Miri–Bintulu (near Borneo Medical Centre), Jalan Miri Bypass, Jalan Miri–Pujut, and Jalan Kuala Baram Bypass.
'Every accident is a tragedy, whether it involves the loss of life or damage to property,' he stressed.
On a related note, he encouraged eligible secondary school students to sign up for the MyLesen programme, which offers affordable and legal motorcycle licences.
'We want the younger generation to be safety-conscious from an early age,' he said, adding that the programme eases the financial burden on families while ensuring youths receive proper training and education before getting on the road.
Lee also extended his Gawai greetings to all Sarawakians, calling on the public to make road safety part of their daily habits.
Also in attendance were Miri deputy mayor Ariffin Mohamad, and Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah. Gawai Lee Kim Shin miri road safety
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