MIRI: Fatal road accidents here have risen by more than 30 per cent ahead of the Gawai celebrations, prompting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin to warn motorists against drink-driving during the festive travel rush.
The increase comes amid growing concerns over road safety in northern Sarawak, particularly along several major routes identified as accident hotspots and blackspots by traffic authorities.
Launching the Road Safety Campaign in conjunction with Hari Gawai 2026 at Shell Permyjaya today, Lee said the latest figures showed an alarming rise in fatal crashes despite continuous awareness campaigns and enforcement efforts.
According to data from the Miri district traffic investigation and enforcement division, 1,165 road accidents were recorded between January and April this year, compared with 1,120 cases during the same period in 2025, an increase of four per cent.
More significantly, fatal accidents rose from 14 to 19 cases, while the number of deaths increased from 15 to 20 people.
Lee described the trend as deeply worrying and said many of the accidents could have been avoided if motorists exercised greater discipline and caution on the roads.
“Many of these accidents are preventable. Road users must take responsibility for their actions and prioritise safety, especially during the festive season when traffic volume increases significantly,” he said.
While accidents involving property damage increased from 1,091 to 1,134 cases, minor accidents dropped from 13 to 10 cases. Serious accidents remained unchanged at two cases.
Authorities have identified several accident hotspots in Miri, including Jalan Miri By-Pass, Jalan Kuala Baram By-Pass, Jalan Persisiran Pantai, Jalan Pan Borneo and Jalan Miri-Airport.
Several blackspot locations linked to serious and fatal crashes have also been flagged, including stretches along Jalan Beraya near Jalan Persisiran Pantai, parts of the Pan Borneo Highway in Suai, and the Miri By-Pass route from Emart Riam towards the Jalan Tanjung Batu traffic lights.
Lee said speeding, reckless driving, fatigue and drink-driving remained among the major contributors to fatal accidents during festive periods.
With thousands expected to travel for the upcoming Gawai celebrations, he urged motorists not to drive under the influence of alcohol.
“Udah mabuk tinduk. Jangan pandu kalau sudah minum,” he said, referring to the popular Dayak phrase which means, “If you are drunk, sleep. Do not drive after drinking.”
“Do not let one wrong decision lead to tragedy and the loss of lives,” he added.
He also advised motorists to plan their journeys properly, ensure they get adequate rest before long-distance travel and use alternative drivers if consuming alcohol during celebrations.
The campaign, organised by the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, included the distribution of road safety items to motorists and motorcyclists.
Car drivers received safety triangles and umbrellas, while motorcyclists were given helmets, reflective safety vests and notebooks carrying road safety messages.
The ministry also introduced special Hari Gawai road safety stickers as part of efforts to promote safer driving habits among road users.
Lee stressed that road safety was a shared responsibility involving government agencies, private companies, local communities and the public.
“Every life is precious. Do not allow a moment of negligence to become a lifetime of regret,” he said.
