Sarawak: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Road Transport Department (JPJ), and Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) have been urged to step up their enforcement efforts to align with the government’s goal of reducing road accident fatalities by 50 percent by the year 2030. Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapaee, highlighted the importance of this initiative to address the increasing number of road accidents and to mitigate associated economic losses.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Annuar cited a study by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) predicting that annual economic losses due to road accidents could amount to RM19.7 billion by 2024. He emphasized that irresponsible attitudes and non-compliance with traffic regulations are key contributors to the rise in accidents, which often result in property damage.

The remarks were delivered by Sayed Azmee Wan Junaidi, the political secretary to the Sarawak Premier, during the closing ceremony of the MyLesen B2 programme for the Nangka state constituency at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) Hall. The programme saw 1,114 participants from the B40 group in the Nangka state constituency successfully obtaining Class B2 motorcycle licences.

Participants of the MyLesen B2 programme underwent rigorous screening, training, and testing by the JPJ before receiving their licences. Dr. Annuar, who also serves as the Nangka assemblyman, described the programme as a strategic government initiative aimed at providing low-income individuals with opportunities to obtain motorcycle licences, thereby promoting disciplined and responsible road use.

He expressed hope that the programme’s participants would support government efforts by exemplifying good behavior on the road. “Indirectly, we can help build a culture of courtesy, consideration, and safety among motorists,” he added.