Kuantan: A total of 35,551 accidents were recorded on the East Coast Expressway Phase 1 (LPT1) from its opening in 2004 until December last year, the Pahang State Legislative Assembly was told today. Pahang Works, Transport and Health Committee chairman Datuk Razali Kassim reported that these accidents resulted in 730 fatalities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Razali Kassim informed the assembly that while there are no specific locations on LPT1 classified as blackspots, certain areas have a higher frequency of accidents. Efforts are underway to mitigate risks at these locations, particularly at Kilometre (KM) 238.7 (westbound) and KM87 (westbound). These measures aim to enhance safety and reduce accident rates.

Datuk Razali was responding to an inquiry from appointed assemblyman Datuk Wong Tat Chee, who sought details on the number of accidents and fatalities along the LPT1 route within Pahang, as well as information on accident-prone areas. He explained that the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) conducts annual analyses using the Malaysia Highway Road Accident Analysis and Database System (MHROADS) to pinpoint accident-prone spots, facilitating the implementation of targeted mitigation measures.

Further, Datuk Razali emphasized that AFA PRIME Berhad, the company responsible for LPT1's operation and maintenance, is committed to ensuring highway safety and user comfort. Ongoing initiatives by AFA PRIME include road safety audits, safety campaigns, and advocacy sessions with users. The company also aims to deliver public announcements swiftly and clearly to enhance user awareness and safety.