KUCHING: Police have called on all motorists to exercise caution while on the road over the Chinese New Year holidays.
The reminder comes on the back of a dim two years where police observed a concerning number of traffic incidents during festive periods.
“During Chinese New Year, there were 107 accidents in 2023, and 120 in 2024,” said Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Supt Bingkok John.
“For Hari Raya Aidilfitri, we recorded 159 accidents in 2023 and 126 in 2024. During the Gawai period, there were 105 cases in 2023, rising to 139 in 2024.
“Meanwhile, during Christmas, the number stood at 123 cases in 2023 and 75 in 2024,” he said.
The data indicates that the majority of accidents occur during peak travel times,commuting to and from work,as well as in the early morning hours, between midnight and 2am.
Bingkok attributed the leading causes of these accidents to speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving, using mobile phones behind the wheel, poor vehicle maintenance, and challenging road conditions, including terrain and infrastructure issues.
“We urge the public to plan their trips in advance, ensure their vehicles are properly maintained before embarking on long journeys, take adequate rest, and adhere to speed limits during the Chinese New Year celebrations,” he stressed.
He also highlighted the importance of community involvement in promoting road safety.
“We encourage the public to assist the traffic police by reporting traffic violations, along with any supporting evidence.”
So far, Bingkok noted, the department has received numerous complaints and viral reports concerning traffic violations.
“In response, we have taken action by issuing summonses to offenders identified in these viral cases and public complaints,” he added.
