PROMOTING ROAD SAFETY: Kapit RTD officer Fredrick Kedo puts a new helmet on a motorcyclist while Ugak (front left) and others look on.
KAPIT: Hulu Rajang MP Wilson Ugak has suggested that the government ban the use of full-face tinted visor safety helmets for motorcyclists.
This he said is to further prevent high profile crimes such as armed robbery, murder and even snatching, which are often committed by perpetrators using such helmets to cover their faces.
“The ban is vital to enable eye-witnesses to identify crime suspects. It will also help the police to identify suspects, especially those using motorcycles, with ease,” he said when officiating at the launching of a road safety campaign for Kapit District organised by the Road Transport Department (RTD), Road Safety Council and Resident’s and District Office at the compound of Kapit District Council building recently. The campaign was held to coincide with the launching of the 56th Merdeka Day celebration.
“As an elected people’s representative I will bring up the issue at the next parliamentary sitting. If the ban is enforced, I am optimistic that we can help to reduce high profile crimes such as the recent fatal shooting case at Kajang, Selangor in west Malaysia whereby the killer used motorcycle,” he said.
On the road safety campaign, Ugak lauded the organising committee for taking the initiative to organise it to create awareness and promote courteous driving.
He, however, noted that despite the numerous road safety campaigns held here, Kapit still recorded many accident cases, which he believed was due to the absence of traffic light.
He thus called on the relevant authority to find ways and means to install traffic lights there especially at accident prone areas.To road users, Ugak reminded them to be courteous while driving.
“The government builds good roads for the benefit of the people. Good road means good facility for road users. Hence do not misuse the road as a racing and ‘burial’ ground. Obey the traffic rules and regulations and if we can adhere to these road safety guidelines, I believe we can help to reduce road accidents,” he said.
Later, Ugak presented safety helmets to 36 motorcyclists, and the Jalur Gemilang and road safety kits to passing motorists.
The campaign was made merrier with a convoy of some 20 motorcyclists comprising youths led by Mohd Yunus Alwi. Each of them was given a free helmet sponsored by the State Road Safety Council.