MIRI: Sarawak has experienced a significant increase in fatal accidents, with numbers rising 10.85 per cent from 341 cases in 2022 to 378 in 2023.
In contrast, Miri reported a 10 per cent decrease in such incidents, with fatal accidents dropping from 49 cases in 2022 to 44 in 2023.
Despite the decline here, the overall rise in Sarawak’s fatal accidents was alarming.
“This is very sad because it harms us and the country in general,” said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin during the handover ceremony of ‘MyLesen’ B2 licenses to 578 recipients from 14 secondary schools here at Dewan Dato Permaisuri in Permyjaya on Saturday.
In light of the growing fatality rates, Lee endorsed the implementation of the ‘MyLesen’ B2 license programme, designed to boost road safety consciousness among the youth and the public at large.
The ‘MyLesen’ B2 initiative, a federal government programme, helps individuals from the B40 income bracket acquire Class B2 motorcycle licenses for RM250.
Running from January 11 to May 25, the pilot programme involves collaborations with the Miri Road Transport Department (JPJ), the Senadin Service Centre Office, Miri Resident Office, Miri District Office, and Miri City Driving Institute Sdn. Bhd.
Lee hoped that the ‘MyLesen’ B2 programme could be extended to other divisions in Sarawak, especially in rural areas.
Also present were Sarawak JPJ director Norizan Jili, Sarawak Education director Datuk Dr Azhar Ahmad, and Miri JPJ chief Fifi Suhesty.
