(Kuching, 15th) Sarawak Minister of Transport, Dato' Sri Lee Kim Shin expresses deep condolences to the families of the victims of the fatal accident that occurred on the Jalan Stutong Baru yesterday, emphasizing that this heartbreaking incident serves as a strong reminder of the importance of road safety and the shared responsibility we all have in preventing such tragedies.
Regarding the incident involving the 16-year-old driver who was not of legal driving age, he stated that this highlights the necessity for everyone to abide by traffic laws, as driving underage is illegal. He urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children or those under their care do not drive illegally without a valid license, prioritizing the safety of all road users.
In this regard, Li Jing Sheng announced in a press release that the ministry is committed to and will continue to strengthen various programs aimed at raising awareness of the importance of road safety.
These include the Traffic Game Education Program, focused on imparting road safety knowledge and responsible behavior to children and adolescents; the T-ABC Traffic Behavior Change Program, targeting youths and parents to instill a culture of safe and responsible road use; and road safety campaigns that raise public awareness through community engagement, media outreach, and activities aimed at educating the public about responsible driving behavior and road safety laws.
He stated that these programs emphasize educating youngsters as they approach the legal driving age and involve parents to strengthen shared responsibility and cultivate safe driving habits.
As for the enforcement of road laws, he said his department fully supports strict enforcement of the Road Transport Act, including imposing harsher penalties on those who allow minors to drive without a valid license.
“We are working closely with the Malaysian Land Transport Department and the Royal Police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department to ensure compliance and strengthen enforcement measures to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Discussing the condition of the road segment involved in the incident, Li Jing Sheng said it falls under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak Public Works Department, and assessments indicate that the road conditions are good.
“We will continue to collaborate with the Sarawak Public Works Department to address any issues and ensure the continued safety of road users.”
In his commitment to road safety, he stated that the ministry is steadfastly dedicated to enhancing road safety through education, awareness programs, and enforcement, and will work with the Ministry of Education, local councils, law enforcement agencies, and the community to reduce risks and prevent tragedies on the roads.
Meanwhile, Li Jing Sheng also urged all road users to act cautiously and responsibly, as road safety is a shared responsibility.