The Ministry of Works (KKR) reiterated that safeguarding Malaysia’s road network is a shared responsibility between the Government and the people.
While the Government continues to invest significantly in maintaining and upgrading infrastructure nationwide, sustainable road safety ultimately depends on responsible road user behaviour.
Empirical findings by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) indicate that 80.6 per cent of road accidents in Malaysia are caused by human negligence, compared to 13.2 per cent attributed to road conditions and 6.2 per cent to vehicle-related factors.
These statistics demonstrate that although infrastructure quality is important, human behaviour remains the primary determinant of road safety outcomes.
Accidents often cause collateral damage to pavement structures, road markings, geometry and road furniture.
Heavy impacts, overloading of commercial vehicles, and reckless driving accelerate surface deterioration and structural fatigue.
The resulting damage requires urgent maintenance interventions, increases public expenditure and may temporarily compromise user comfort and safety. Preventive driving practices, therefore, are not merely matters of compliance but essential contributions to preserving national assets.
To address road defects—particularly potholes and damaged road furniture—the Ministry introduced the MY Jalan Campaign (MYJALAN).
According to Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, the initiative encourages the public to report infrastructure issues through the MyJalan application while fostering transparency, accountability and cooperation between communities and authorities.
Since its implementation from August 2023 until January 2026, the MyJalan platform has received 54,055 road damage complaints.
Of this total, 16,671 complaints, or 30.8 per cent, involve Federal Roads, highways and state roads under KKR supervision. The remaining complaints concern roads managed by other ministries or agencies.
Under KKR’s jurisdiction, 15,160 complaints have been resolved, while 1,511 cases remain under investigation. For matters outside the Ministry’s purview, complaints are promptly channelled to the responsible authorities. However, monitoring and execution of rectification works depend on the respective agencies. This highlights the need for stronger inter-agency coordination, clearer maintenance mandates and improved performance tracking mechanisms to reduce response times and enhance public confidence.
Nanta stressed that the MADANI Government remains committed to strengthening essential infrastructure as a foundation for economic growth and social well-being.
Under the 2026 Budget, RM2.5 billion has been allocated to the MYJALAN programme for Federal Road maintenance.
In collaboration with the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), 3,000 new LED lights will be installed at accident-prone highway locations to improve night-time visibility and reduce collision risks.
Additionally, RM260 million has been earmarked for slope safety works in high-risk areas nationwide, mitigating landslide hazards that threaten motorists and disrupt connectivity.
A further RM30 million has been channelled to 115 JKR district engineers to expedite urgent and critical repair works at the local level.
“These measures reflect a strategic shift towards preventive maintenance and risk management rather than reactive responses.
“Major connectivity projects also continue to progress, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak,” said Nanta.
The Pan Borneo Highway, Sabah–Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) and Trans Borneo Highway (LTB) are strengthening regional integration and improving access to rural communities.
In Peninsular Malaysia, high-impact initiatives such as the PLUS Traffic Dispersal Project, the Mount Erskine–Burma underpass in Penang, the Senai–Desaru Expressway upgrading in Johor, the Masjid Tanah–Telok Gong road in Melaka, the Cheras Mile 9 Flyover in Selangor and the Kuantan–Segamat Expressway upgrading in Pahang are expected to reduce congestion, shorten travel times and enhance safety standards.
To ease the financial burden on the rakyat, the Government will also implement a 50 per cent toll discount for Class 1 private vehicles on most national highways during major festive seasons.
“As Minister of Works, I stress that infrastructure excellence alone cannot eliminate road risks.
“Stronger enforcement against overloaded vehicles, data-driven asset management systems, and closer federal-state collaboration must continue to be enhanced.
“Equally important is cultivating a culture of responsible driving—observing speed limits, complying with load regulations and promptly reporting hazards,” added Nanta.
He stressed that road safety is not solely the Government’s obligation.
It is a collective commitment that demands vigilance, discipline and shared accountability.
“By working together prudently and responsibly, we can ensure that Malaysia’s road network remains resilient, efficient and capable of supporting national development for generations to come,” he added. - March 1, 2026
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