Tiang (centre) helping a road user with his crash helmet during the road safety campaign.
SIBU: At least 85% of road accidents here are caused by negligence, says a Sarawak deputy minister.
"Reckless driving (for one)... (often) road users themselves caused the accidents, not the poor condition of the roads," said Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Michael Tiang.
Speaking on the sidelines of a road safety campaign, held in conjunction with Chinese New Year, on Monday (Feb 5), Tiang said regular police and Road Transport Department enforcement operations were needed as a result.
"These operations are to ensure that road users abide by traffic rules and regulations to (make) the roads safe for everyone.
"Accidents can leave emotional and physical scars, so keep yourself and other road users safe," he advised.
Tiang said police statistics showed that road accidents in Sibu district increased from 1,822 in 2022 to 2,061 last year, a rise of 239 cases.
Kanowit district, however, recorded a drop from 109 to 89, he noted.
