Latest news with #EastWestHighway
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Gerik-Jeli highway sees spike in fatal crashes, 22 dead in just six months
KOTA BHARU, July 27 — From January to June this year, 257 accidents involving 442 vehicles were reported along the East-West Highway (JRTB) Gerik-Jeli. According to Gerik police chief Supt Abdul Samad Othman, the accidents included eight fatal cases, resulting in 22 deaths. Among the fatalities were 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), who were killed in a horrific accident on June 9. 'The number of deaths reflects the total number of victims who died, as fatal accidents often involve more than one casualty. For example, a fatal bus crash on June 9 alone claimed 15 lives, all of whom were students from UPSI,' he said when contacted by Bernama today. Abdul Samad added that the 442 vehicles involved in the accidents included 287 cars, followed by 55 multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) or vans, 42 motorcycles, 38 pickup trucks, 17 lorries, and three buses. On July 22, Bernama reported that, according to the 2024 traffic census by the Public Works Department (JKR), the JRTB route remains at a good level of service, with its current configuration able to accommodate the present traffic volume. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi reportedly said that a total daily traffic volume of 2,409 vehicles was observed on the JRTB route, with heavy vehicles accounting for 751 vehicles, or 31.2 per cent of the total. 'The JRTB route is categorised as hilly terrain, with its alignment designed to follow the contours and topography of the Titiwangsa mountain range. Its geometric design as the two-lane single carriageway has met the required technical and functional standards for its construction,' he said. To improve road safety, JKR director-general Datuk Roslan Ismail said the department has implemented a blackspot treatment programme under its Road Safety Infrastructure Upgrade initiative. Since 2018, 16 accident-prone locations along the route have been identified. 'The approach is based on the principle of 'Low Cost, High Impact.' If the treatment method applied is appropriate to the type of accident occurring, the accident rate at those blackspot locations can be reduced at relatively low cost,' he explained. — Bernama
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
257 accidents, 442 vehicles: deadly toll mounts on East-West Highway Gerik-Jeli stretch
KOTA BHARU, July 27 — From January to June this year, 257 accidents involving 442 vehicles were reported along the East-West Highway (JRTB) Gerik-Jeli. According to Gerik police chief Supt Abdul Samad Othman, the accidents included eight fatal cases, resulting in 22 deaths. Among the fatalities were 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), who were killed in a horrific accident on June 9. 'The number of deaths reflects the total number of victims who died, as fatal accidents often involve more than one casualty. For example, a fatal bus crash on June 9 alone claimed 15 lives, all of whom were students from UPSI,' he said when contacted by Bernama today. Abdul Samad added that the 442 vehicles involved in the accidents included 287 cars, followed by 55 multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) or vans, 42 motorcycles, 38 pickup trucks, 17 lorries, and three buses. On July 22, Bernama reported that, according to the 2024 traffic census by the Public Works Department (JKR), the JRTB route remains at a good level of service, with its current configuration able to accommodate the present traffic volume. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi reportedly said that a total daily traffic volume of 2,409 vehicles was observed on the JRTB route, with heavy vehicles accounting for 751 vehicles, or 31.2 per cent of the total. 'The JRTB route is categorised as hilly terrain, with its alignment designed to follow the contours and topography of the Titiwangsa mountain range. Its geometric design as the two-lane single carriageway has met the required technical and functional standards for its construction,' he said. To improve road safety, JKR director-general Datuk Roslan Ismail said the department has implemented a blackspot treatment programme under its Road Safety Infrastructure Upgrade initiative. Since 2018, 16 accident-prone locations along the route have been identified. 'The approach is based on the principle of 'Low Cost, High Impact.' If the treatment method applied is appropriate to the type of accident occurring, the accident rate at those blackspot locations can be reduced at relatively low cost,' he explained. — Bernama
Malay Mail
23-07-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Kelantan seeks federal help to boost safety on Gerik–Jeli stretch of East-West Highway amid wildlife risks
KOTA BHARU, July 23 — The Kelantan government has submitted a formal request to the Works Ministry (KKR) to upgrade infrastructure along the Gerik–Jeli stretch of the East-West Highway (JRTB) to enhance road safety and user comfort. State Public Works, Infrastructure, Water and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Izani Husin said the application, submitted through the state Public Works Department (JKR), covers five key components, including slope repairs, overtaking lanes, corrugated metal drainage pipes, New Jersey concrete barriers and solar-powered streetlights. 'The state is also procuring LED warning signboards that illuminate at night to alert motorists, especially in low-visibility areas,' he said. Izani was responding to a question from Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil (PAS–Kuala Balah) during the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly today, on efforts to improve safety along the route, which has seen frequent accidents, including wildlife-related incidents. He said the state is also collaborating with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) to establish an elephant feeding corridor in Jeli, which is currently in the stage of hotspot identification. For tiger conservation, specific movement corridors have been mapped and efforts are underway to implement monitoring and protection standards under the Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) framework. Additional safety measures include wildlife crossing signs and regular patrols by Perhilitan personnel to guide elephants back to forested areas when needed. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
10-07-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
High on the highway: hidden cause in heavy crashes?
As road fatalities involving heavy vehicles continue to rise in Malaysia, public concern is mounting, as recent media reports have shown. Just last month, a tragic lorry accident near Teluk Intan claimed the lives of nine FRU personnel. On Monday, 15 died in a devastating bus crash en route to Gerik on the East West Highway. Both accidents are under investigation. Authorities investigating similar accidents in the past have identified a chilling common factor: drug use among commercial drivers. Although drunk driving tends to dominate the headlines, in Malaysia, drug abuse—particularly involving stimulants like methamphetamine—is a growing and dangerous trend among lorry and bus drivers. This quiet crisis is putting thousands of lives at risk daily on Malaysian roads and highways. Real crisis Driven by long hours, tight delivery schedules, and poor working conditions, many heavy goods vehicle and bus drivers resort to illicit drugs to stay alert. But the consequences are deadly—impaired reflexes, poor judgement and increased accident risk. The public is demanding action, and safety experts are urging authorities, especially the road transport department (JPJ), the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), the traffic division of PDRM and the transport ministry to implement urgent reforms. Thus, I would like to suggest immediate actions be taken, to stop the rampant accident trend nationwide. These are listed below. Immediate measures Random drug testing at key locations Surprise drug screenings at rest areas, toll plazas, and major bus terminals and ports—especially during the late-night hours—are critical to catching drivers under the influence before tragedy strikes. Instant suspension of offenders Drivers who fail drug tests should face immediate suspension of their commercial licences pending full investigation. No exceptions, no delays. National zero-tolerance campaign A high-impact media campaign should be launched immediately, using real stories, accident footage, mock-ups and testimonies to warn drivers and employers of the deadly risks and legal consequences. The transport ministry, being the ministry responsible for transport policy, should take the lead in such campaign—which should run continuously for at least one year—and make a strong stand on this issue. Tighter JPJ, traffic police & AADK coordination Collaboration between JPJ, traffic police and narcotics enforcement must be ramped up to target known high-risk areas, highway routes and operators. Short-term structural reforms Quarterly drug testing must be introduced for drivers of all heavy goods vehicles (HGV) and public service vehicles (PSV). All commercial driving licence holders must undergo mandatory drug screening every six months, with results centrally logged by JPJ to flag repeat offenders. Those who test positive must not be allowed back on the roads. Employer accountability Transport companies must implement in-house testing, provide mental health support, and face heavy penalties if their drivers are caught using drugs. Driver vetting Psychological screening and background checks must be introduced as part of the HGV and PSV licensing process to ensure only fit drivers are cleared for service. In-vehicle driver monitoring Install driver alertness systems and GPS tracking in all commercial vehicles to detect fatigue, erratic driving and long journeys undertaken without breaks. Conclusion We have no time left for further delays or inaction. While the formation of committees to investigate the accident causes is good, such an approach is unlikely by itself to reduce the number of road mishaps. Malaysia's highways are becoming increasingly dangerous, not just due to poor road conditions or speeding—but due to drivers getting high on illegal substances. These drivers operate the largest and most dangerous vehicles on our roads and highways. With every day of inaction more lives are being lost and families shattered. Confidence in road safety is fast eroding. The authorities must act fast through enforcement, accountability and reform. There is no room for compromise. The author can be reached at: [email protected] The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
Free Malaysia Today
28-06-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
UPSI students to sue bus driver, company over Gerik crash
Abdul Wafiy Kamarudin said the lawsuit will serve as a lesson to all drivers to be careful on the road. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Some of the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students involved in the fatal bus crash in Gerik on June 9 will take legal action against the bus driver and company. One of them, Abdul Wafiy Kamarudin, 23, said the lawsuit will serve as a lesson to all drivers to be careful on the road. 'We are demanding damages for our injuries and loss of personal items in the accident,' Harian Metro reported him as saying. Abdul Wafiy said they are still drawing up a list of victims interested in joining them in the lawsuit. 'The majority of my friends are ready for legal action. We have lawyers ready to fight this case in court,' he said. Fifteen people were killed in the accident between the bus carrying the UPSI students and a car. The collision on the Gerik-Jeli East West Highway, near Tasik Banding, involved a total of 48 victims, 13 of whom died at the scene and two others at the hospital. On June 20, road transport department (JPJ) director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli said JPJ is finalising investigation papers for possible legal action against the bus operator and company. He said the papers will be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor for a decision on potential charges.
