SIMUNJAN: The rise in road accident cases in the Samarahan Division from January to April this year is alarming, with driver negligence identified as a key cause.
Batang Sadong Member of Parliament Rodiyah Sapiee said among the main contributing factors are traffic violations, speeding, driving while drowsy, and the use of mobile phones while driving.
“Statistics show a rising trend in accidents in the Samarahan Division, including Simunjan District, compared to the same period last year.
“We take this increase seriously. Most of the causes come from drivers’ own negligence and failure to comply with road laws,” she said in a report by UKAS on the Samarahan Division Road Safety Campaign 2026 yesterday (May 26).
She said road safety campaigns require a long-term effort to change mindsets and encourage more responsible driving habits among road users.
“The government, through cooperation with various enforcement agencies, will continue to strengthen efforts to raise awareness among the public.
“Through the distribution of leaflets and advocacy programmes, we hope road users will be more alert to safety measures that must be practised to prevent unwanted incidents,” she added.
Meanwhile, she also highlighted infrastructure development in the Samarahan Division, including Simunjan and Gedong, which are currently undergoing a road network transformation phase.
According to her, the opening of the Batang Lupar Bridge recently has increased traffic flow, especially in coastal areas.
As a result, more road upgrading projects to four lanes and new road construction are expected to be completed within the next three to five years to provide more comfortable and safer facilities for road users.
She also advised those returning to their hometowns for Aidiladha and the Gawai celebrations to check their vehicles beforehand.
“Make sure you get enough rest before driving, always wear your seat belt, and for motorcyclists, wear helmets properly.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility as it involves our lives and the lives of others,” she said.
