Make safety a priority this Raya, says IGP
Posted on 17 July 2014 - 09:06pm
Last updated on 17 July 2014 - 09:22pm
Last updated on 17 July 2014 - 09:22pm
KUALA LUMPUR: Put safety as priority this Hari Raya.
Launching the "Ops Selamat 5/2014" with the theme Rumah Selamat, Selamat Sampai ke Destinasiat Menara TM, Bangsar, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar (pix) said Malaysians should put safety as priority for this festive season, including making sure their houses are properly locked and notifying the police in their area or district that they are leaving their homes unattended.
They also must strictly adhere to traffic laws on their balik kampung journey, including keeping within the speed limit.
Khalid said policemen will be deployed under the "Ops Selamat 5/2014" to ensure all road users abide with the traffic laws to prevent fatal road accidents.
On an average, he said, about 20 road fatalities occur every day.
Upset with these road fatalities, Khalid said if road users were careful when on the road, these accidents could have been avoided.
There were 17,937 cases reported with 226 deaths in 2012, while 17,830 cases with 248 deaths were reported last year during the "Ops Selamat", he said.
"Despite the decreasing number of accidents, the number of people who died in road accidents increased," he added.
He said this time around they plan to put in some new strategies to reduce accidents on road.
"We will go hard, including imposing maximum fines, on those who violate the traffic laws, including using emergency lanes during traffic congestions," said Khalid.
The Road Transport Department (RTD) will also conduct urine test on drivers, especially that of commercial vehicles.
The "Ops Selamat 5" will be held from July 21 to Aug 8 with emphasis given to 60 accident black spots nationwide.
Khalid said policemen will also be patrolling housing estates during the festive season, especially in areas where many people have left their houses unattended.
The police will soon introduce the "Ops Selamat" toll-free number 1-800-88-1412, courtesy of Telekom Malaysia Berhad.
The public can call this hotline number to report traffic congestion, road accidents or ask for assistance.
