Transport Ministry: Almost half a million road accidents in 2015

PETALING JAYA: There were almost half a million accidents on Malaysian roads in 2015, with close to 7,000 people killed, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

"Malaysia recorded 489,606 road accidents and 6,706 deaths on the road in 2015.

"This was clearly an increase from 2014 and the economic loss incurred was in excess of RM8bil. These alarming statistics continue to be addressed by the Government," said Liow in a press release on Monday.

He added that the Task Force was briefed on current road safety initiatives including road safety statistics during festive periods.

"An advocacy plan by the Road Safety Department was reviewed, accompanied by a review of the implementation of Malaysia's Road Safety Plan 2014-2020. The road safety education module was also presented," said Liow.

Liow, who issued the press release after a meeting of the Cabinet Task Force on Road Safety chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, added that the Automated Awareness Safety System (Awas) and Kejara Demerit Points System would be implemented soon.

Liow said that the execution of the International Road Safety Assessment Programme (Irap) in Malaysia and the implementation of its framework would also be done urgently.

"The meeting unanimously agreed that these are urgent measures that need to be put in place given the fact that road accidents and fatalities continue to escalate in our nation," said Liow.

He urged all road users to be responsible and courteous.

"A dedicated Cabinet Taskforce on Road Safety cannot achieve its goals if the Rakyat and non-government organisations (NGO) does not play its role in this matter. I urge all road users to be responsible and courteous for their safety and others on the road," said Liow.