Minister advises rural folk to get driving licence, be safe
DALAT: Despite a decrease in road accidents by 1.2 per cent compared to 2016 in Sarawak, it is still a problem that keeps the Ministry of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development worried.
Its minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah highlighted that statistics from the Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department showed that Sarawak saw a total of 19,832 road accident cases throughout 2017 with 373 fatal accidents.
“There was a slight decline in fatal road accidents by eight cases as of November 2017. The main cause of road accidents is the impatience of drivers who prefer to drive fast to get to their destination. Drivers also tend to run the red light as it would slow them down,” she said.
“Most of the accidents occurred at the traffic lights especially those involving motorcylists and ‘mat rempit’ who race illegally on public roads. They are not only putting their lives in danger but become the cause of road accidents,” she added.
In addition, she pointed out that using mobile phones while driving, driving while drunk or under the influence of alcohol, fatique due to inadequate rest or sleep, and bad road conditions were among the causes of road accidents.
Fatimah said this at the closing ceremony of the ‘One Community, One JPJ’ (Road Transport Department) (SKSJ) programme for Dalat District held at Stadium Perpaduan Dalat here yesterday.
The programme attracted 1,471 participants consisting of 859 men and 612 women.
More importantly, she also discovered that 70 per cent of the locals were without B2 Class Driving Licence especially youth aged 21 and above.
“The younger generation made up the majority of those driving without a licence and using vehicles belonging to families or someone they know,” she said.
“Obtaining a driving licence is the first thing that must be done as it is compulsory under the law if an inidividual wants to drive a car or bike. It shows that they have been through the necessary written and practical tests to have the ability and competency to manage and operate a vehicle,” she added.
A lot of road accidents happened, she said, due to the negligence of the unlicensed drivers or motorcylists.
Fatimah said the programme aimed to provide a facility for rural folk aged 16 and above to obtain the motorcycle and car probationary driving licence.
“The programme also aimed to reduce the rate of road accidents by ensuring that drivers and motorists are licensed.
“This is implemented due to the request from the locals who needed a more efficient and effective service from the department in obtaining the B2 Class driving licence,” she elaborated.
“Every driver must be careful on the road and bear in mind the saying that ‘it is okay to be late so long as you are safe. Also always ensure that the vehicle is in good condition before leaving the house,” she said.