Penang: The Consumers Association Penang (CAP) has urged the Transport Ministry to enforce more effective and stringent safety measures nationwide to reduce road accidents, particularly during the Chinese New Year celebrations this week. Its president, Mohideen Abdul Kader, made this call following a concerning rise in road accidents involving heavy vehicles in recent months.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, there have been 825 fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles in just the first 10 months of 2024. Mohideen Abdul Kader expressed concern over the terminology used for such incidents, pointing out that labeling them as 'accidents' implies inevitability and fosters a culture of acceptance, suggesting that preventive measures are not possible.

Mohideen highlighted several factors contributing to the high accident rates in the country, including speeding, poor driving habits, driver attitudes, congested roads, unsatisfactory road conditions, and weak enforcement. He urged policymakers and relevant agencies to prioritize road safety and address these issues urgently.

He further stressed the importance of encouraging public transport as a critical component of a broader strategy aimed at reducing accidents on the roads.