489,606 road accidents and 6,706 deaths on the road in 2015

The implementation of the Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) and the Demerit Point Award System for Traffic Offences (Kejara) are among the topics of discussion at the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety meeting today.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai in a statement said the meeting also discussed the standardisation of weight limit for commercial vehicles, road safety assessment and accident investigation at the East Coast Expressway 2 and the implementation of the International road Assessment Programme in Malaysia.

He said the meeting also agreed that immediate action should be implemented to tackle the rising number of road accidents and fatalities in the country.

For the record, Malaysia recorded 489,606 road accidents with 6,706 deaths last year, with losses of over RM8 billion.

Liow also urged road users to be responsible and courteous for the sake of their safety and that of others on the road.

“A dedicated Cabinet Taskforce on Road Safety cannot achieve its goals if the rakyat and non-government organisations do not play their role in this matter,” Liow added.