Kuala Lumpur: The Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion (JK-MKKJR) has agreed in principle to establish a funding mechanism for road safety initiatives, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced today. The proposed mechanism involves allocating 50 percent of revenue collected from the Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) summonses to the Transport Ministry (MOT) for implementing targeted safety programs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiatives will include improving highway lighting in accident-prone hotspots, which will be implemented immediately. Loke emphasized the need for a sustainable revenue source to support efforts aimed at reducing road accident risks. He made these remarks during a press conference after chairing the committee meeting.

Loke also highlighted plans to enhance road safety along the East-West Highway (JRTB) between Gerik and Jeli, specifically addressing wildlife crossings. This follows a recent incident involving a mother elephant refusing to leave her calf’s side after it was killed in a collision with a lorry. Improvements such as better lighting and the introduction of wildlife crossings will be part of broader safety upgrades.

Additionally, wildlife protection will be a key consideration in railway infrastructure projects. This will be addressed along the Gemas-Johor Bahru rail line, given past incidents of elephants crossing railway tracks. Loke stressed the importance of protecting both wildlife and human lives, as high-speed train collisions with large animals like elephants can have severe consequences.