Govt ramps up efforts to improve road safety
The figure was disclosed following a query from Hulu Terengganu MP Datuk Rosol Wahid, who asked about crash statistics and government action at high-risk areas such as poorly lit roads and those affected by potholes.
The ministry said it is concerned about road safety, especially on federal routes.
It added that the government is stepping up efforts to improve road safety nationwide, with focus on addressing crash-prone areas and protecting vulnerable road users, particularly motorcyclists.
The ministry also said through the Road Safety Infrastructure Upgrade programme, efforts are underway to instal street lights at intersections, bends, bridges and other dangerous stretches with crash histories.
For this year, the ministry has identified 256 high-risk locations across Malaysia for new street light installations, with a total allocation of RM25 million.
The Public Works Department (PWD) will continue monitoring the sites and identify others in need of lighting improvements.
'Road safety remains a top priority. The installation of street lights is a key initiative to reduce risks at dangerous zones.'
In addition to lighting upgrades, the ministry is also addressing pothole related incidents.
Complaints about potholes would be addressed with patching works within 24 hours, supported by patrols to identify road surface issues early. The public may lodge complaints via the ministry hotline at 03-2610 8888.
Year-round maintenance will continue through PWD to ensure safe and comfortable driving conditions.
The ministry added that parallel to these efforts, the government is also prioritising motorcycle safety by considering the expansion of dedicated motorcycle lanes along federal roads.
It was responding to a question by Baling MP Tuan Hassan Saad, who raised concerns over high crash rates among motorcyclists and asked if there were plans to widen roads to include motorcycle lanes.
It said separating motorcycles from other vehicles is an engineering best practice.
The ministry also said through PWD, it has implemented such lanes at selected locations for more than a decade under two models – exclusive motorcycle lanes, which are physically separated from the main road, and non-exclusive lanes, which are built on widened road shoulders without barriers.
One example is the Federal Highway FT002, which features exclusive motorcycle lanes over a 48km stretch connecting Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Klang.
The government has approved RM20 million under Rolling Plan 5 of the 12th Malaysia Plan to upgrade these existing lanes.
To ensure effectiveness, the ministry has outlined strict technical requirements, including total traffic volume, percentage of motorcycle users, crash rates of five or more per km and a side friction score (which measures intersections per km) below 30 points.
'All proposed lanes must go through comprehensive feasibility studies. If motorcycle lanes are to be built, they must enhance safety, not create new traffic conflicts.'
It also highlighted financial feasibility as a concern, noting the high costs involved, covering construction, land acquisition and relocation of utilities.
There are no immediate plans to build motorcycle lanes nationwide, but the ministry remains open to proposals based on detailed studies and available funding.
'Motorcycle safety is a top priority. We are committed to reducing risks and providing safer riding conditions.
'With ongoing improvements in both infrastructure and enforcement, the government hopes to significantly reduce crash rates and improve the well-being of road users.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
14 minutes ago
- The Star
East-West Highway upgrades a priority under Budget 2026, says Nanta
KUALA KANGSAR: The East-West Highway, particularly the Gerik-Jeli stretch, is among the key priorities for the Works Ministry under Budget 2026, minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi says. He said the ministry has submitted a funding request to upgrade several sections of the route, citing urgent safety needs. However, the exact allocation will depend on the government's final decision. "It's not a special allocation, we've included it under regular funding requests for the highway," he told reporters after the official opening of the Sultan Muzzaffar Shah Bridge at Dataran Manong here on Thursday (Aug 14). Earlier, Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah officially inaugurated the bridge. Also present were Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, his wife Datin Seri Aezer Zubin, as well as Public Works director-general Datuk Roslan Ismail. As part of ongoing safety measures along the JRTB, Nanta said 385 solar-powered streetlights have been installed in high-risk areas and dangerous bends, commonly known as 'black spots'. "These are not for the entire highway, only for critical sections identified through our assessments," he said, adding that damaged guardrails, signboards and road markings are also being repaired or replaced. Nanta also announced the launch of the MYJalan mobile app, which aims to enable the public to report road damage and submit feedback directly to the ministry. "Perak has been chosen as the first state to launch the MYJalan initiative, reflecting our commitment to public feedback and road safety," he said. He added that the highway's condition had been a concern since the start of his tenure and described the highway as not only a vital interstate link but also a key part of the country's road development history. Data collected via the app, he noted, has already supported federal funding requests, leading to repair and upgrade works along the East-West Highway and other federal roads in Perak. - Bernama
The Sun
14 minutes ago
- The Sun
East-West Highway upgrades prioritised in 2026 Budget, says Works Ministry
KUALA KANGSAR: The East-West Highway, especially the Gerik–Jeli section, is a top priority for the Works Ministry in the 2026 Budget. Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi confirmed funding requests for upgrades, stressing urgent safety needs. 'It's not a special allocation, we've included it under regular funding requests for the JRTB,' he said after opening the Sultan Muzzaffar Shah Bridge. The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, inaugurated the bridge, attended by state leaders and Public Works officials. To enhance safety, 385 solar-powered streetlights have been installed at high-risk zones along the highway. 'These are not for the entire highway, only for critical sections identified through our assessments,' Nanta clarified. Damaged guardrails, signboards, and road markings are also being repaired as part of ongoing improvements. The ministry launched the MYJalan app to let the public report road issues directly. 'Perak is the first state to trial MYJalan, showing our commitment to public feedback,' Nanta added. He highlighted the JRTB's historical and economic significance as a key interstate route. Data from the app has already aided federal funding approvals for repairs in Perak. The ministry continues to monitor the highway's condition to ensure long-term safety and efficiency. - Bernama
Barnama
17 minutes ago
- Barnama
Budget 2026: East-West Highway Upgrades A Priority For Works Ministry
KUALA KANGSAR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- The East-West Highway (JRTB), particularly the Gerik–Jeli stretch, is among the key priorities for the Works Ministry (KKR) under the upcoming 2026 Budget, said Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He said the ministry has submitted a request for funding to upgrade several sections of the route, citing urgent safety needs. However, the exact allocation will depend on the government's final decision. 'It's not a special allocation, we've included it under regular funding requests for the JRTB,' he told reporters after the official opening of the Sultan Muzzaffar Shah Bridge at Dataran Manong here today. Earlier, the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah officially inaugurated the bridge. Also present were Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, his wife Datin Seri Aezer Zubin, as well as Public Works director-general Datuk Roslan Ismail. As part of ongoing safety measures along the JRTB, Nanta said 385 solar-powered streetlights have been installed in high-risk areas and dangerous bends, commonly known as 'black spots'. 'These are not for the entire highway, only for critical sections identified through our assessments,' he said, adding that damaged guardrails, signboards and road markings are also being repaired or replaced. Nanta also announced the launch of the MYJalan mobile app, which aims to enable the public to report road damage and submit feedback directly to the ministry. 'Perak has been chosen as the first state to launch the MYJalan initiative, reflecting our commitment to public feedback and road safety,' he said. He added that the JRTB's condition had been a concern since the start of his tenure and described the highway as not only a vital interstate link but also a key part of the country's road development history.
