MIRI, May 25: Minister for Transport Sarawak Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, has expressed optimism about the potential expansion of the ‘MyLesen’ B2 programme to other divisions across Sarawak, especially in rural areas.
His remarks came during a ceremony held at Dewan Dato Permaisuri in Permyjaya, where motorcycle Class B2 licenses were handed over to 578 successful applicants aged 16 and above from the Senadin constituency, on Saturday.
The ‘MyLesen’ programme, a Federal government initiative, aims to assist the B40 group in obtaining Class B2 licenses at a significantly reduced rate of RM250.
The programme in the Senadin constituency, which ran from Jan 11 to May 25, involved a collaboration between various local agencies, including the Miri Road Transport Department (JPJ) Miri Branch, Senadin Constituency Service Center Office, Miri Resident Office, Miri District Office, and Miri City Driving Institute Sdn Bhd.
“This programme is a pilot project and the first of its kind in Sarawak,” said Lee.
The pilot initiative saw participation from 578 applicants, including secondary students from 14 schools around the Miri city and members of the general public.
By making it easier and cheaper for the B40 group to obtain a motorcycle license, the programme aims to enhance mobility and economic opportunities, particularly in areas with good road networks.
Lee highlighted the importance of expanding this initiative to other parts of Sarawak, especially rural regions, to ensure broader access to affordable transportation.
The necessity for such programmes is underscored by recent accident statistics.
While Sarawak overall saw a 10.85 per cent increase in fatal accidents from 341 cases in 2022 to 378 cases in 2023, the Miri Division recorded a 10 per cent decrease in fatal accidents, with 44 cases in 2023 compared to 49 in 2022.
“Based on these statistical trends, it is evident that the rate of fatal accidents is increasing overall, which is a matter of great concern. The expansion of the ‘MyLesen’ programme could play a vital role in educating the public about road safety and reducing accident rates,” Lee added.
Also present were Sarawak JPJ director, Norizan Jili, Sarawak Education director Datuk Dr Azhar Ahmad, and Miri JPJ head Fifi Suhesty. — DayakDaily
