By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 26: Malaysia incurred an estimated RM19.7 billion in losses annually due to road accidents, including the cost of repairing damaged public assets, according to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Sarawak.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the MyLesen programme for the Gedong constituency at Dewan Patinggi Ali today, JPJ Sarawak director Norizan Jili attributed the rising number of accidents to negligence, reckless driving, and low helmet usage among motorcyclists, especially in rural areas.
“Fatal motorcycle accidents in Sarawak alone increased from 198 in 2023 to 201 in 2024. Although the increase may seem small, any rise in fatalities is a cause for concern,” he said, citing statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
On his way to Gedong, Norizan observed that many rural riders continued to ignore basic safety precautions, such as wearing helmets.
“I saw many people riding motorcycles but wearing caps instead of helmets. The road is hard, not soft like gel. A motorcycle accident can easily result in severe injuries or death,” he warned, urging parents to ensure their children wear helmets before riding.
“If they don’t have one, don’t let them go out. Life is precious; it cannot be bought in a store,” he added in his recorded speech.
Norizan emphasised that initiatives like MyLesen are crucial in promoting road safety, ensuring that young people—who are key assets to the nation—do not become a tragic loss to the country.
“You are all national assets. If accidents happen, the financial burden on the government increases, particularly in hospital expenses. This is a serious concern because it involves public funds. And you, in fact, are the most important national asset,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of renewing road tax and insurance, stressing that those who fail to do so could face significant financial and legal consequences.
“Many think they don’t need to renew road tax in rural areas, but in the event of an accident, they are left unprotected.
“If something happens and results in loss of life, it can be considered ‘mati katak’ (dying in vain). You know what ‘mati katak’ means, right?” he added.
To ease compliance, JPJ has deployed mobile service units to facilitate the renewal of road tax, insurance, and driver’s licenses at today’s event venue.
Norizan called on the public to be proactive in reporting road safety violations through the MyJPJ app, particularly cases involving overloaded or unsafe vehicles.
“Every report helps make our roads safer,” he said.
Meanwhile, JPJ Sarawak will strengthen advocacy and enforcement through the Hari Raya Aidilfitri (HRA) Ops, held nationwide from March 24 to April 8, 2025, to ensure road safety and smooth traffic flow during the festive season.
The event was officiated by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Transport Minister Malaysia Datuk Hasbi Habibolah, Deputy Infrastructure Development Minister Sarawak Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo, JPJ Malaysia director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, Samarahan Division Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang, Batang Sadong assemblywoman Rodiyah Sapiee and Batang Sadong assemblyman Awla Dris were among those present. — DayakDaily
