Kuala lumpur: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is targeting at least a five per cent reduction in accidents, fatal crashes and deaths during the implementation of Op Selamat 25 from Feb 15 to Feb 20, in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail revealed projections indicating that more than 2.8 million vehicles will use major highways nationwide during the festive season, leading to an increased risk of accidents. The timing of the Chinese New Year coincides closely with the beginning of Ramadan, potentially causing a surge in traffic.
'Our main objective is clear, to reduce road accidents, fatal crashes and deaths by at least five per cent compared to statistics recorded during the previous Op Selamat,' said Mohd Khalid at the launch of Op Selamat 25 at the Sungai Buloh Overhead Bridge Restaurant (Northbound). His speech was read by Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri.
Mohd Khalid emphasized strict enforcement against six major offences: driving over the speed limit, overtaking dangerously, using mobile phones while driving, running red lights, misusing emergency lanes, and driving while fatigued. To aid traffic flow, 32 smart lanes will be activated at strategic locations, and road users are encouraged to observe signage before using them.
Additionally, PDRM will focus on preventing house break-ins during the operation by deploying 6,543 personnel, involving 2,670 patrol vehicles and 1,800 motorcycles. The 24-hour patrols will cover 1,129 patrol areas nationwide, targeting hot spots identified through the Safe City Monitoring System (SPBS).
'Based on SPBS analysis, 3,148 hot spots have been identified, with Selangor having the highest number at 764 areas, followed by Kuala Lumpur with 446,' Mohd Khalid stated. He advised those returning to their hometowns to report their movements via the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol application or at the nearest police station to help facilitate patrol deployment.