Miri records highest road fatalities Statewide in 2023 with 44 deaths

Lee (second left) giving the thumbs-up after distributing helmets to motorcyclists during the road safety programme in conjunction with Chinese New Year in Miri on Jan 26, 2024.

By Tedong Rantayy

MIRI, Jan 26: Miri has recorded the highest number of deaths due to road accidents in the State in 2023, says Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

Citing a report by the Sarawak Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department, Lee said the Miri recorded 44 road fatalities last year.

Sibu followed this with 36 fatalities, Kuching (31), Mukah (29), and Sri Aman (19).

“Human error contributes to 85 per cent of the accidents,” said Lee while launching the Statewide road safety programme held in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration in Miri today.

The overall figure for fatalities due to road accidents Statewide increased from 344 in 2022 to 378 in 2023 for the 12 months since January.

He emphasised that the State government will continue prioritising road safety through awareness programmes and initiatives to instil safety culture amongst road users, including reviving Shell Traffic Games.

“We have decided to rebrand the traffic games with a new name—Sarawak Traffic Games to promote road safety amongst school children.

“We have six gardens throughout the State, each one in Kuching, Sri Aman, Bintulu, Miri, and Sarikei,” Lee said.

The event was a collaboration with various government agencies, including the Transport Ministry, Sarawak Road Safety Council, Miri Resident, the police, Miri Road Transport Department (JPJ), and Petronas.

Sarawak Transport Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil and Sarawak Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Deputy Minister Datuk Rosey Yunus were also present. — DayakDaily