By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, March 19: Kuching recorded a 7.29 per cent drop in road accidents as the Kuching District Police Headquarters (IPD) intensified enforcement under Op Selamat 26 for the Hari Raya festive season.
Kuching District Police chief Alexson Naga Chabu said the decline was based on a comparison between Op Selamat 22 in 2024 and Op Selamat 24 in 2025.
“In 2024, 96 road accidents were reported. Last year, it dropped to 89 and there were no fatal accidents recorded in both years,” he said at a press conference held in conjunction with the Road Safety Advocacy Programme at Petros Darul Hana today.
The six-day Op Selamat 26, running from March 19 to 24, will see 250 officers deployed across Kuching to monitor traffic, enforce road regulations and assist motorists.
Police will be stationed at key accident-prone and congestion hotspots, including Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce and Jalan Tun Jugah.
Alexson said crime prevention patrols will also be stepped up, particularly in residential areas, to deter house break-ins involving homes left unattended during the festive balik kampung period.
“Members of the public are encouraged to inform the police if they are leaving their homes during the holidays via three methods, through the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) application, by contacting or visiting the nearest police station, or by completing the ‘balik kampung’ notification form available on the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) website or traffic portal,” he said.
He added that restrictions on heavy and goods vehicles will be enforced on March 19 and 20, as well as March 28 and 29, to ensure smoother traffic flow.
Meanwhile, Op Lancar has been activated from March 18 to 20 and will resume on March 27 to help manage traffic and ease congestion in the district.
A dedicated monitoring team will operate round the clock throughout the operation to regulate traffic, carry out enforcement and assist road users.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, avoid using mobile phones while driving, obey speed limits and maintain a safe distance to prevent rear-end collisions.
Alexson also reminded motorcyclists to wear helmets, drivers to fasten seat belts, and all road users to comply with instructions from traffic personnel.
“Do not drive under the influence of alcohol, and always prioritise safety when travelling during the festive season,” he stressed.
He also cautioned the public against playing firecrackers after midnight, noting that the offence is punishable under Section 7 of the Explosives Act 1957, which carries a penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both.
“I urge everyone to obey traffic rules, drive carefully when travelling home, and prioritise safety.
“The main objective of this operation is to reduce road accidents, ensure public safety and comfort, and maintain peace and order in the Kuching district,” he said. — DayakDaily
