49 fatal road crashes recorded in Sarawak so far this year (Video)

KUCHING (Feb 12): A total of 49 fatal road accidents were recorded in Sarawak between Jan 1 and Feb 11 this year, said Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah.

This was an increase compared to 32 cases during the corresponding period in 2025.

Describing the increase as worrying, Mohamad Zainal said police are expecting heavier traffic movement across the state with the Chinese New Year public holidays falling on Feb 17-18, coupled with the possibility of extended leave.

In response, Ops Selamat 25 will be conducted from Feb 15-20 to strengthen enforcement and enhance road safety awareness during the festive travel period.

Mohamad Zainal said 850 police officers and personnel will be deployed throughout Sarawak, with assistance from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and other enforcement agencies.

“Most importantly, it is to reduce road accident cases.

“If we look at last year, Op Selamat in Sarawak successfully reduced fatal accidents, and we hope this year we will again be able to reduce both road accidents and fatal cases,” he told reporters after launching Op Selamat 25 at Plaza Merdeka Mall here on Thursday.

He noted that preliminary findings showed that the majority of the fatal crashes were caused by driver negligence and carelessness.

“While there were some contributing road factors, most of the cases were due to human negligence,” he said.

The commissioner urged motorists to drive prudently, adhere to speed limits and avoid using mobile phones while driving.

“If you are tired or sleepy, stop and rest. Better to arrive late than not at all.

“Your family is waiting for you,” he said.

To manage the anticipated surge in traffic during the festive season, police have identified 85 hotspot locations statewide, particularly in major towns such as Kuching, Miri, Sibu, and Bintulu, where monitoring and enforcement will be intensified.

He clarified that Sarawak currently has no areas classified as ‘black spots’, which refer to locations with frequent fatal accidents.

“We only have hotspots — areas that are usually congested and have the potential for accidents, but not places with recurring fatal crashes,” he said.

On the working visit by deputy inspector-general of police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, Mohamad Zainal said it is part of a routine visit from Feb 8-14.

The visit includes inspections of border control posts, assessment of facilities, and engagement sessions with officers and personnel stationed in remote areas.

Among the locations visited are Limbang, Miri, Bakelalan, and Bario, with subsequent visits to Serian, Tebedu, and several other planned sites.

When asked about plans to establish new border control posts, he said there are currently no new proposals and efforts are focused on enhancing existing facilities.

He noted that improvements have been made by replacing temporary tents and old huts with cabins to provide better comfort for personnel on duty.

“There are also plans to construct permanent buildings at several locations, which are currently being implemented across Sarawak,” he added.