PENANG has recorded an alarming rate of road accidents - up to 23,534 in the first five months of this year resulting in 167 fatalities, of which most are motorcyclists.
The data from the Royal Malaysian Police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division warrants urgent action and requires shared responsibility from every level of society, said state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari, who oversees the infrastructure portfolio for Penang.
In conjunction with the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024, the Penang Road Transport Department (RTD) organised a community service initiative under its outreach programme with Zairil.
This year’s theme of "one particular day," stressed the importance of remembering road traffic victims while inspiring actions to prevent future tragedies.
RTD officers together with Zairil visited the orthopaedic ward of Penang Hospital to meet patients recovering from road accident injuries.
State RTD Deputy Director Mohd Azmi Jaafar and Penang Hospital Director Dr Goh Hin Kwang were among those present to provide gifts and encouragement to the injured.
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 is observed annually on the third Sunday of November after it was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005.
This day serves as a global acknowledgement of the lives lost or affected by road crashes and a call to action for improved road safety measures.
Zairil described the 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.
He also urged motorcyclists to use only helmets certified by Sirim as the equipment has been widely tested.
Zairil said that it fully supports Penang JPJ’s efforts through initiatives like the JPJ@Komuniti programme, which focuses on raising public awareness about road safety. - The Vibes, December 6, 2024.
