Selangor cops will take to the air to monitor CNY traffic

PUCHONG: Selangor police will deploy drone units and use police helicopters to monitor traffic as people return to their hometowns for the upcoming Chinese New Year break.

Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said using the Airwing Unit and police drones would help them monitor real-time traffic.

"Last year, we recorded 4,042 accidents during this holiday period compared to 2,810 accidents the year earlier.

"We believe the key factor in the increase of accidents by 1,232 cases is the lack of road safety awareness," he told reporters after launching the Road Safety Campaign in conjunction with the Chinese New Year 2024 at the Toll Plaza Puchong Selatan on Monday (Feb 5).

He said police operations would focus on enforcing traffic regulations, preventing crime and being omnipresent.

"We will focus our enforcement efforts on six traffic offences: speeding, beating the red light, emergency lane misuse, overtaking on double lines, queue cutting and using mobile phones while operating a vehicle.

"We will be monitoring traffic along the Kuala Lumpur–Karak Expressway near Gombak, Jalan Kuala Lumpur–Ipoh, Jalan Kuala Selangor–Klang," he said, adding that 61 officers and 432 personnel would be involved in the operations. At the same time, 42 police patrols and 89 motorcycles would also be deployed.

He said 11 locations have also been identified where police will conduct speed traps in the state as well.

Comm Hussein advised motorists to ensure their vehicles were properly maintained and roadworthy before making their journeys.

"Follow the speed limit, be patient and courteous with other motorists, and always wear your seat belt.

"Make sure you are well rested before driving, plan your journeys and refrain from using your mobile phone while operating a vehicle," he said.