‘Msia may have tamed Covid-19, but road accidents still a curse’

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia may have been successful in flattening the Covid-19 curve, but it has much to do to end the carnage happening daily on its roads.

Alliance for Safe Community (Ikatan) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has lamented reports that an overwhelming number of deaths and injuries due to road accidents nationwide occurred throughout the Movement Control Order (MCO) from March 18 to June 9.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah had earlier said that 507 people died in 50,531 traffic accidents throughout the period – compared to 118 Covid-19 deaths up to today.

This is particularly troubling, as the MCO and the proceeding Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) saw a significant drop in traffic.

Lee said road safety is the collective responsibility of all Malaysians and that fatalities are particularly tragic, as they can be avoided if drivers take safety seriously.

He said that the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), which began on June 10, will also likely cause a spike in accidents, as Malaysians are now allowed to make interstate journeys.

Anticipating a ‘balik kampung’ exodus, Lee called on Malaysians to comply fully with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under the RMCO as they travel to their hometowns.

He called on motorists to exercise extra caution.

“As we practise social distancing to avoid Covid-19, cars and motorcycles must practice road distancing by keeping a safe distance apart while on the highways and major roads,” he said in a statement here today.

“It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Let all Malaysians strive towards not only preventing more Covid-19 deaths, but also road deaths. Let us all embrace a safety culture. One life lost is too many.”

Lee also advised motorists to always follow the rules by not beating traffic lights.

“This includes food delivery riders. Motorists must report cases of speeding and recklessness to the police,” he added.

Source: NST