KenaSaman.com

PETALING JAYA: Motorists have been advised to be patient on the road as they make their way back to the city after the Hari Raya and Merdeka Day holidays.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha also advised travellers to adhere to traffic rules and have adequate rest before starting their journey.

“Please exercise patience on the road. Practise good safety culture and do not exceed the speed limit. You should also ensure your vehicles are in good working condition. Every life is important and one life lost is just one too many,” he told The Star yesterday.

Kong said there was an average of between 17 and 18 deaths each day during the current Ops Sikap, and motorcyclists made up the highest number of fatalities.

“Motorcyclists comprise about 60% of the total number of casualties. This shows that they are still the highest risk group.

“During the festive season, a lot of accidents occur in rural areas, including along federal and state roads, as many have returned to their hometowns,” he said.

Kong, who was also on his way back to Kuala Lumpur from Sitiawan, Perak, said although traffic was heavy, it was smooth, adding that this was expected to pick up over the weekend.

Seventeen deaths were recorded on Wednesday while the number of accidents stood at 1,036.

Of the fatalities, 14 were motorcyclists while the rest were motorists.

According to the Royal Malaysian Police website, as at Wednesday, there were 12,221 accidents and 166 deaths since Ops Sikap 24 began on Aug 23.

In JOHOR BARU, state internal security, public order and traffic chief Supt T. Raveendran said there were 17 deaths and 1,643 accidents in Johor this Hari Raya.

“A total of 6,337 summonses were also issued,” he said.

“Most deaths involved motorcyclists with 10 fatal cases. Three others were either motorists or car passengers while the rest were pedestrians and van drivers,” he said.

In KOTA KINABALU, Sabah Commissioner of Police Datuk Hamza Taib said nine deaths had been recorded this Hari Raya, down from 19 previously.

“The Hari Raya Ops Sikap has managed to bring down the number of fatalities and we hope it will stay that way,” he told reporters at his Hari Raya open house on Wednes­day.

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