Dr Annuar (second right) helps a motorcyclist put on his new helmet during the road safety campaign for Christmas at Sibu Town Square yesterday. He is flanked by Davina and Hii (right).
SIBU: There is no room for ‘kiasu’ (selfish) attitude when it comes to road safety, says Assistant Minister for Science Research and Biotechnology Dr Annuar Rapaee.
His remarks came following the record 2,144 accidents here in the first 11 months of this year.
“For a small town like Sibu, with a population of about 300,000, this record is considered high.
“We must be courteous while on the road, learn to give way to others and also respect other road users. We should not rush. There’s no room for ‘kiasu’ attitude because practising and maintaining road safety should be the responsibility of all,” he told reporters after launching a division-level road safety campaign here yesterday in connection with this year’s Christmas celebration.
The programme was conducted by Sibu District Office in collaboration with state Road Safety Department (JKJR), Road Transport Department (JPJ), traffic police and Sibu Division Road Safety Council.
Present were Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee, acting Sibu District officer Syahmi Jamali and state JKJR director Davina Agnes Enteli.
Forty of the 2,144 accidents reported were fatal accidents, three serious ones, and the remaining 2,101 were minor accidents/damage.
As for Kanowit, there were 56 accidents reported up till November this year: three fatal, two serious, and 51 minor accidents. Selangau recorded 183 accidents during the same period, with six fatal, three serious, and 174 minor accidents.
On the campaign, Dr Annuar stressed it was to raise awareness of road safety among members of the public.
“I think this is a very important occasion that not (solely held) to give out helmets but to remind people about the importance of road safety.”
He suggested that such a campaign be organised more frequently, particularly during major festive seasons.
“Accidents are not only caused by the conditions of the road but also the attitude of the motorists. It is better to be late than never.”
Meanwhile Hii, who also heads the committee under Sibu Division Road Safety Council, said they would organise educational programmes on road safety during every major festive occasion.
“This is because many people would be travelling during these times. We hope that these campaigns would raise awareness of road safety among the people,” he said, adding that such campaign had been held four times here this year.
He reminded the townsfolk to be more patient and disciplined when parking here, especially at traffic-heavy areas surrounding the central market.
“I also call on all the townsfolk to maintain the cleanliness of Sibu so that it would give a good impression to visitors.”