KOTA KINABALU: Six districts in Sabah have been identified as “hotspots” for road accidents as police launched Ops Selamat 2026 ahead of the Chinese New Year festivities.
Sabah Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department chief Datuk Mohd Azhar Hamin said the districts were Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Ranau and Keningau.
He said these areas experience an increase in accidents each year, particularly during festive seasons.
Driver negligence is a major factor in accidents in these areas. While road conditions sometimes contribute to accidents, the most significant factor is driver attitude, including speeding, impatience and lack of consideration.
“Road safety depends on ourselves. If we are not careful, the risk is not only to ourselves but also to other road users,” he said after launching Ops Selamat Chinese New Year 2026 here on Sunday (Feb 15).
Azhar said Ops Selamat 2026, from Feb 14 20, will involve increased monitoring and patrols along identified routes, including integrated operations with the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
He said the operation aims to ensure public safety on the roads and the security of homes left behind while families travel for the holidays.
“We ask for the cooperation of the public to obey traffic rules, inspect vehicles before travelling, ensure physical and health conditions are good, and stop to rest if they feel sleepy,” he said.
He also encouraged the public to join the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) program, which allows homeowners to notify the police of monitoring patrols while they are away during the festive holidays.
“By becoming a VSP member, the community can request police patrols of their homes during the holidays. This is the best opportunity to ensure houses left behind remain safe.
“VSP is also important as a channel to provide information related to crime, drugs, traffic congestion, and other matters for immediate police action,” he added.
