KUCHING: State police commissioner Dato Sri Muhammad Sabtu Osman has advised road users to practise safe driving in light of the increasing number of road fatalities this year.
He said even though the number of fatal road accidents from Jan 1 to Nov 17 this year declined by three cases compared to the same period in 2014, the number of deaths resulting from the accidents had increased by three.
“It saddens me greatly to have to see this sort of statistics because such incidents can be avoided if one practises safe driving and behaves courteously while on the road.
“Even though the number of fatal accidents in the state this year went down from 346 to 343 cases, the number of fatalities from these accidents went up from 377 to 380,” he said after handing over the first batch of 52 new Proton Inspira mobile patrol vehicles (MPV) at the state police headquarters here yesterday.
Sabtu added that he had already instructed his men to increase road patrols as one of the measures to reduce the rate of road accidents and road-related fatalities.
Overall, the state has recorded a total of 16,573 road accidents so far this year, an increase of 6.65 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Touching on the crime scenario in the state, the commissioner disclosed that the crime index has so far gone down by 14.12 per cent this year compared to 2014.
However, he urged his men not to become complacent by their achievements thus far but to work even harder with the community to ensure the downward trend continues in the years to come.
On a separate matter, Sabtu said police are closely monitoring the flood situation in the state and are well-prepared to provide assistance should the situation worsen.
“We have done the necessary preparations six months ago in terms of logistical support, such as boat engines and life jackets, as well as the number of personnel.
“Currently, only 10 per cent of personnel are allowed to take leave but if the flood situation worsens, then we will freeze all leave applications with the exception of immediate family emergencies.”