AUTHORITIES have escalated efforts to combat the growing number of fatal commuting accidents involving workers after new data revealed a sharp rise in motorcycle-related crashes across the country.
The Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) announced it would continue working closely with the Royal Malaysia Police to strengthen awareness campaigns targeting motorcyclists, particularly employees travelling to and from work.
The initiative is being carried out through the MYRider Campaign, which was officially launched at the Sepang International Circuit amid growing concern over the rising number of road accidents involving daily commuters.
SOCSO group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed said the campaign was designed to promote a culture of responsible and dignified riding following alarming increases in workplace commuting accidents nationwide.
According to him, more than 91,000 accidents were reported to SOCSO last year, with 51 per cent involving accidents during journeys to and from workplaces.
“Most of these cases involved motorcycle riders and the figure shows an increase of nearly 21 per cent compared with 2023.
“This situation is extremely worrying and that is why we believe efforts must be intensified to raise awareness regarding this issue,” he told reporters during the launch ceremony.
The MYRider campaign aims to improve road safety awareness, strengthen compliance with traffic laws and cultivate safer riding habits among Malaysia’s large motorcycle-riding population.
The programme is built around four main strategic pillars focusing on awareness, responsible action, pride in safe riding culture and collective protection for road users.
Mohammed Azman said SOCSO wanted to provide clearer public education and accurate information, particularly to contributors under the national social security scheme, regarding the importance of responsible driving and riding behaviour in reducing commuting accidents.
He added that the campaign had received full cooperation from the police in reinforcing road safety advocacy and strengthening compliance with traffic regulations among motorists.
The latest statistics underline the scale of the challenge facing Malaysian authorities.
A total of 4,267 motorcyclists were killed in road accidents last year, accounting for approximately 65 per cent of the country’s overall 6,581 road fatalities.
Of the more than 91,000 accident cases reported to SOCSO, 46,542 cases, or 50.9 per cent, involved road accidents.
“More worrying is that commuting accidents increased by 21 per cent compared with the 38,454 cases recorded in 2023 and, based on calculations, around 11 commuting accidents occur every hour,” he said.
The worsening trend has renewed concerns over Malaysia’s heavy reliance on motorcycles for daily commuting, especially among lower and middle-income workers who depend on two-wheel transport due to affordability and urban congestion.
Authorities hope the MYRider campaign will help reduce accident rates by encouraging safer riding practices while reinforcing greater cooperation between enforcement agencies, employers and workers in improving road safety standards nationwide. - May 23, 2026
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