Police launch Ops Selamat to reduce accidents and fatalities

SHAH ALAM: Traffic police will set up special “strike force” bases in Pahang, Perak, Malacca and Johor for Ops Selamat this Hari Raya pe­­riod.

Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Comm Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said traffic officers would be stationed at these bases to help during emergencies and carry out enforcement work.

“The strike force will comprise 10 to 12 traffic officers who will be dispatched during emergencies throughout the Ops Selamat period.

“We have also identified 40 blackspots nationwide where accidents occur,” he told reporters after launching the Ops Selamat campaign at the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Puncak Alam Campus here.

He said operations to catch speedsters would also be conducted at the blackspots.

“We will also be looking for those who overtake on double lines, use mobile phones while driving, cut queues and run the red light.

“We will impose the maximum fine of RM300 on those found flouting traffic rules,” he said.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Mahamad Akhir Darus said last year, 303 deaths were recorded throughout the 15 days of Ops Selamat for Hari Raya.

“This is an increase compared with the 217 deaths during the same period in 2014.

“We do acknowledge that the increase of vehicles on the road contributed to the spike in deaths. But we are also hoping to reduce that number this year through enforcement,” he said.

He added that police would also be conducting patrols in neighbourhoods to curb break-ins.

“We have police patrol units on duty throughout Ops Selamat, but it is not enough,” he said, adding that people also need to be vigilant about their surroundings.

Mahamad Akhir said those who noticed any suspicious activity should contact the police hotline immediately.