By Jacob Achoi
SERIAN, Dec 31: The number of accidents involving motorcyclists across the State was alarming, said Assistant Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.
Based on statistics, in 2020, there were 430 accidents involving motorcyclists and pillion riders, compared to 109 cases involving cars, he said.
Dr Jerip also pointed out a marked increase of motorcycles on the road, from 552,000 units in 2010 to 875,000 in 2020.
“As time goes by, there will be more vehicles and motorcycles on the road, and for this reason, our road safety campaign and awareness will be carried out more regularly,” he said.
He earlier officiated at a road safety campaign at Siburan town, where he distributed 350 helmets to motorcyclists.
During the event, he also said that road safety would remain the main focus of the Ministry of Transport (MoT) in years to come due to the ever-increasing number of vehicles on the road every year.
“To do this, we will be extending our Sarawak Road Safety Council to the divisional level to involve councils, police, and Road Transport Department (JPJ), and also working with other agencies like bus transport companies,” Dr Jerip told reporters today.
Meanwhile, Dr Jerip thanked Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his reappointment as Assistant Minister of Transport.
This, he said, will enable the ministry to continue carrying out and improving the various programmes.
The programme today was organised by the MoT and State Public Transport Committee with the involvement of the police, JPJ and Serian District Council. ― DayakDaily
