PETALING JAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has urged organisers of large-scale motoring events to make road safety a mandatory agenda, following a string of fatal accidents linked to such gatherings.
“Every weekend that brings together motoring enthusiasts, emergency rooms in hospitals across the country are often faced with a very heartbreaking reality. Behind the excitement of the event, families are receiving devastating news, losing their livelihood due to road accidents,” he said in a Facebook post on Sunday (Aug 2).
Dzulkefly offered his condolences to families of those killed in recent road crashes, praying that the victims’ souls be blessed and the bereaved given strength to face their loss.
He described road accidents as a serious public health challenge and the fifth-highest contributor to premature death in Malaysia, citing Transport Ministry data showing an average of 18 road deaths daily.
Motorcyclists account for the largest share of fatalities, at 59%, according to the Malaysian Road Fatality Index, he added.
“The impact on family institutions and the economy is profound. Based on the Statistical Value of Life (VSOL), the government bears a loss of at least RM3.12mil for every life lost.
“This is not just a number; it represents the heads of families, young people who are the hope, and productive human capital that is lost in the blink of an eye. How many young wives have suddenly become widows? How many small children are now growing up as orphans?”
Dzulkefly said he fully supported the camaraderie and spirit behind mega convoy programmes, but expressed concern over the repeated fatal accidents from earlier editions up to the recent RXZ Members 8.0 event.
“The organisers have a moral responsibility to ensure the safety of each participant. My suggestion is to make sure that the message of prudent driving and road safety advocacy is made a mandatory agenda in every organization, so that incidents of lives being wasted due to speeding will not happen again,” he said.
He highlighted the strain such accidents place on the health system, noting that every surge in crashes diverts critical hospital resources – from blood supplies and imaging equipment to operating theatres and specialist staff – to emergency and trauma care.
“On this occasion, I would like to record my highest appreciation and respect to the entire Multidisciplinary Emergency and Trauma Team of the ministry who are working tirelessly to treat and save the lives of road accident victims involved.
"All medical facilities and resources in hospitals can always be replaced, but lives lost are irreplaceable.” he said.
He also said that the old slogan "Yang Kental, Pasti Sampai (The tough will make it)" should not be used, instead opt for a new slogan that carries a message of simplicity and safety: "Yang Santai, Pasti Sampai (The relaxed will make it)".
This slogan, he pointed out, is very important to emphasize the aspects of prudent riding, obeying the speed limit, and aiming for zero accidents.
“Make life safety an absolute priority before turning on the throttle of your machine. Remember the faces of your loved ones who always pray for your return home,” he said.
