Lee Kim Shin: Ensure Safe Travel for a Peaceful New Spring Festival

(Miri, 20th) The Sarawak Minister of Transport and Chairman of the Sarawak Road Safety Council, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, pointed out that with the approach of the Chinese New Year, the volume of traffic will significantly increase, making road safety particularly important.

 “Our roads are not only paths to our destinations but should also be safe passageways. Protecting road users' safety is our shared responsibility, and every journey should be safe.”

At the “2025 Chinese New Year Road Safety Campaign” held at the Permyjaya Shell Petrol Station in Miri today, he called on all citizens to raise their awareness of road safety and jointly create a safe and harmonious festive atmosphere.

He further mentioned that the statistics of road traffic accidents in Sarawak remind us that every number represents an affected life and family. This underscores the need to continue efforts to improve road safety awareness.

According to police data, 21,733 traffic accidents were recorded in Sarawak in 2024, an increase of 315 cases (+1.5%) compared to 21,418 cases in 2023. Fatal accidents decreased to 362 cases (-16 cases), serious injury accidents decreased to 137 cases (-13 cases), and minor injury accidents decreased to 255 cases (-72 cases). Property damage accidents increased to 20,979 cases (+416 cases).

In Miri, the total number of traffic accidents in 2024 was 3,516, a decrease of 110 cases (-3%) compared to 3,626 cases in 2023. Although the overall number of accidents decreased, fatal accidents increased from 44 to 62 cases, which is noteworthy.

The main causes of accidents include 95% due to driver negligence, such as rear-end collisions (32.4%), loss of control due to speeding (21.5%), and side collisions at intersections (21.5%). Increased number of vehicles accounted for 3% of the accidents, while weather, road, and terrain factors accounted for 2%.

Miri Smart Buses well received

As an important move for the Ministry of Transport to modernize public transport, the 14 smart buses in Miri have transported a total of 161,728 passengers within three months since they began operating for free in October 2024, with an average monthly passenger number of 53,909.

Lee Kim Shin pointed out that smart buses not only alleviate urban traffic pressure but also provide an economical choice for family travel, further promoting family gatherings and community interaction. He urged citizens to cherish public transport resources and jointly maintain a safe and clean travel environment.

Restriction on heavy trucks to reduce holiday risks

To ensure smooth and safe roads during the Spring Festival, the Ministry of Transport announced a ban on heavy freight vehicles from January 27 to 28 and February 1 to 2. Meanwhile, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will strengthen traffic enforcement with relevant law enforcement units during the festival period.

Lee Kim Shin stated that today's event is not only a reminder but also a call to action. Every road user should cultivate safe driving habits, comply with traffic regulations, and demonstrate patience and courtesy to ensure safe and smooth travel during the festival.

He expressed gratitude to the Sarawak Road Safety Council, the Ministry of Transport, and the Miri Division Office for their efforts and called on the community to contribute jointly to reducing traffic accidents and protecting lives.

“Let us start with ourselves, enhance road safety awareness, and welcome a Spring Festival filled with happiness and security!”