STATISTICS from the Royal Malaysia Police’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department reveal the alarming scale of road accidents in Penang.
Between January and May this year (2024), the state recorded 23,534 road accidents, with 167 fatal crashes claiming 177 lives. These figures underscore the urgent need for action to address road safety, a shared responsibility that affects every level of society.
In conjunction with the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024, the Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ) organised a community service initiative under its JPJ@Komuniti programme.
This year’s theme, ‘THAT DAY’, stressed the importance of remembering road traffic victims while inspiring actions to prevent future tragedies.
As part of the programme, JPJ officers together with state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari visited the Orthopedic Ward of Penang Hospital to meet patients recovering from road accident injuries.
Zairil said the initiative not only provided donations but also offered emotional support and encouragement to help these victims rebuild their lives post-accident.
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, observed annually on the third Sunday of November, was officially adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005.
This day serves as a global acknowledgment of the lives lost or affected by road crashes and a call to action for improved road safety measures.
Zairil also described road accidents as a ‘pandemic’ due to the alarming statistics, emphasising the urgent need for increased public awareness.
“While not a disease pandemic per se, road accidents are a ‘pandemic’ if we consider the sheer number of cases recorded,” he said.
Zairil highlighted the far-reaching consequences of road accidents, which extend beyond the victims to include economic losses, social disruptions, and devastating impacts on families.
He also stressed the importance of using only helmets certified by Sirim to enhance rider safety.
“Look for the Sirim sticker when purchasing your helmet,” he advised, underscoring the need for compliance with safety standards.
The state government, Zairil said, fully supports Penang JPJ’s efforts through initiatives like the JPJ@Komuniti programme, which focuses on raising public awareness about road safety.
“We will continue to collaborate in organising programmes to educate the public.
“The state government also plays a key role in ensuring road infrastructure is well-maintained.
“When complaints arise, relevant agencies such as the Public Works Department (JKR), the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), and local government bodies are promptly informed to address the issues,” he said.
Zairil reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working alongside various agencies to improve road safety, stressing that collaboration and infrastructure maintenance are critical to reducing the risk of accidents and saving lives.
Meanwhile, Penang JPJ is committed to addressing the crisis through stronger law enforcement and targeted advocacy campaigns aimed at reducing road accidents and minimizing the risks of injuries and fatalities. These efforts align with the Malaysia Road Safety Plan (PKJRM) 2022-2030, which envisions safer roads as a collective responsibility.
Programmes like JPJ@Komuniti are vital in raising awareness about road safety and fostering a culture of accountability among road users.
By reflecting on the lives impacted by road crashes, Penang JPJ hopes to inspire collective action and move closer to achieving the United Nations’ goal of a 50% reduction in road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.
In September 2020, the United Nation General Assembly proclaimed the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, with the ambitious target of preventing at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.
Also present were Penang Road Transport Department deputy director Mohd Azmi Jaafar and Penang Hospital director Dr Goh Hin Kwang.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat