PUTRAJAYA – A news report on the deaths of 1,684 p-hailing riders within nine months of the movement control order (MCO) last year has been misinterpreted, said the Transport Ministry.
In a post on its Facebook page today, the ministry said the figure provided by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong during a p-hailing safety campaign held on April 9 does not specifically refer to two-thirds of the total 2,576 road deaths involving p-hailing riders.
P-hailing is defined as a service involving the delivery of food, drinks and parcels using motorcycles.
The post also included quotes from Wee during the campaign, in which he said: “Despite the implementation of the MCO, deaths (averaged) 12 a day, which is not a small number.
“In general, more than 60%, or almost two-thirds, involve motorcyclists.
“However, the ones who mostly use roads during the MCO are those involved in essential services. Food delivery comes under essential services.”
The ministry said it has taken note of the viral messages on the incorrect number of deaths published by news portals, as well as shared on social media and WhatsApp.
“The ministry hopes any news report that includes screenshots related to the inaccurate figures will stop being disseminated to avoid public confusion.” – Bernama, April 20, 2021
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