Bagan datuk: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed concern over the high number of road fatalities, saying the country has lost about 60,000 lives over the past 10 years in crashes nationwide. Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Congestion, said 82 per cent of those fatalities involved motorcyclists and pillion riders.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that about 90 per cent of the 6,000 annual road fatalities are individuals aged 30 and below, which means the country is losing skilled manpower almost every year. He illustrated the gravity of the situation by pointing out that 6,000 people have died each year over the past decade, resulting in a total of 60,000 deaths caused by road accidents, a statistic that greatly concerns the government.
Ahmad Zahid made these remarks while speaking at the 2025 Perak State-level MyLesen B2 Programme Licence Presentation Ceremony at the Bagan Datuk UMNO Complex. Also present at the event were Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Jana Santhiran Muniayan and Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.
He urged the younger generation in particular to value their lives when driving or riding motorcycles, emphasizing the importance of cherishing their life, family, and community. Ahmad Zahid highlighted that the nation needs its youth, who are considered valuable assets.
Sharing his personal experiences, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that he enjoys riding both small-capacity and high-powered bikes and has participated in motorcycle expeditions overseas, always adhering to traffic rules and safety guidelines.
Earlier at the event, 650 participants comprising school students, public university students, and B40 youth received benefits under this year’s MyLesen B2 Programme. In a statement, JPJ noted that more than 15,000 participants of the MyLesen Programme obtained their B2 motorcycle licences for free in the first half of 2025, funded by the government with an allocation of RM5.2 million. Due to overwhelming response, the quota for new applicants was increased by 10,000 mid-year to meet strong nationwide demand.