KUCHING: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Transportation advised road users travelling for the festive season holiday to always be on the alert and be considerate of other road users.
Its minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing said that the main causes of traffic accident were due to human error and road conditions.
“Some road users are doing excessive speeding and not using proper safety equipment. This is also added by the design of the road which is unsafe for certain vehicles to drive on.
“With the Gawai festival coming soon, please be on the alert and be considerate of other road users,” said Masing at a press conference after the handing over of motorcycle crash helmets during a Road Safety Department (JKJR) Road Safety Campaign in conjunction with Gawai 2017 in Bau, yesterday.
Masing also noted that as of April 2017, a total of 126 fatal accidents were recorded throughout the state with 70 involving motorcyclists.
He added that what was worrying the ministry was the welfare of the motorcyclists because they are young and usually from lower income group.
“Some of these youngsters ride their motorcycles like stunt men and do whatever they want. This is where their parents come in. It is their parents’ responsibility to ensure that their children have driving licence and provide them with proper safety gear when riding their motorcycles.
“That is why this road safety campaign is something that will benefit everyone because if you cannot look after yourself, then the government is duty bound to look after you, and if you cannot protect yourself, we will protect you from yourself,” Masing said.
On another matter, Masing who is also Deputy Chief Minister wishes all Dayak in Sarawak, Sabah, Peninsula Malaysia and all over the world a ‘Happy Gawai 2017’celebration.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Transportation, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Tasik Biru Assemblyman, Dato Henry Harry Jinep, Serembu Assemblyman Miro Simuh and other distinguished guests.
