Works Minister: 80.6 pct road accidents due to human factors, engineering safeguards stepped up

Nanta responding to Senator Datuk Mustafa Musa’s question in the Dewan Negara on Feb 25, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 25: A total of 80.6 per cent of road accidents in Malaysia are caused by human factors, yet road engineering continues to receive serious attention as a critical preventive and protective measure for users, said Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

Citing findings by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), Nanta said 13.2 per cent of accidents were attributed to road conditions, while 6.2 per cent involved vehicle factors.

“Although human factors remain the primary contributor to accidents, we do not compromise on engineering improvements. Road infrastructure must continue to serve as a safeguard to reduce risks and protect users,” he said when responding to a question from Senator Datuk Mustafa Musa in the Dewan Negara today.

Nanta stressed that road user safety remains a top priority of the Ministry of Works Malaysia (KKR) and the Public Works Department Malaysia (JKR), with continuous measures undertaken to ensure Federal Roads are safe, comfortable and fully functional.

He explained that upgrading and maintenance works are implemented in accordance with the Arahan Teknik Jalan and Road Specifications, which are aligned with international standards such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Association of Australian and New Zealand Transport Agencies (Austroads).

Among the measures undertaken are the construction of stronger road structures based on projected traffic loads, as well as the expanded use of innovative materials such as Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) to enhance durability and extend road lifespan.

Improvements to high-performance reflective road markings are also being carried out, alongside reassessments of road alignments and sight distances. The installation of road safety furniture is being implemented in phases, prioritising high-risk locations.

In addition, comprehensive Road Safety Audits are conducted at both the design and construction stages in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and MIROS to ensure engineering interventions effectively reduce accident risks.

Nanta further revealed that as of January 2026, statistics from the MYJalan application recorded 54,055 road complaints, with only 30 per cent involving roads under KKR and its related agencies.

“The remaining complaints fall under the jurisdiction of other agencies. This reflects our ongoing commitment to ensure that Federal Road maintenance is carried out effectively and in a focused manner,” he said.

He added that the comprehensive approach will continue to be strengthened to minimise fatal accidents and enhance protection for road users.— DayakDaily