PETALING JAYA: A more targeted approach with technology is being deployed by police to curb the country’s rising road accident rate, says Bukit Aman.
Federal Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director Comm Datuk Seri Mohammed Hasbullah Ali acknowledged enforcement alone was not enough to change dangerous driving behaviour.
“Besides enforcement and advocacy, we are expanding the use of technology and data analysis to identify high-risk locations, accident patterns and contributing factors so that more targeted action can be taken,” he said.
Comm Mohammed Hasbullah said they would also strengthen collaboration with ministries, local authorities, educational institutions, highway concessionaires, the private sector and non-government organisations to widen road safety education programmes.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of all parties, not just police enforcement,” he said.
Motorcyclists and pillion riders remained the primary focus as they continued to account for the highest number of road fatalities.
At the same time, he said, there would be intensified enforcement against motorists committing high-risk offences such as speeding, dangerous overtaking, using mobile phones while driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently told Parliament that Malaysia recorded 273,668 road accidents in the first four months of this year, after a record 790,614 crashes in 2025.
He said passenger cars accounted for between 60% and 70% of all road accidents, while motorcycle crashes contributed to more than 65% of annual road fatalities despite representing fewer overall accidents.
Echoing the national strategy, Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Asst Comm Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said traffic police in the capital had intensified enforcement operations and patrols, particularly at identified accident hotspots, during peak hours and weekends.
“Officers are deployed based on accident risk analysis, while advocacy initiatives such as anti-drink driving awareness campaigns and Ops Didik are being carried out to educate motorists and students on safe road practices,” he said.
According to ACP Mohd Zamzuri, analysis of accident data in Kuala Lumpur showed speeding, running red lights, using mobile phones while driving, dangerous lane changing, tailgating and reckless driving are the most common traffic offences.
