SIBU: Road accident statistics in Sibu Division show a worrying trend as the number of fatal accidents last year recorded the highest figure in the past six years.
Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said a total of 39 fatal accident cases were recorded in Sibu Division throughout 2025, an increase compared to 32 cases in 2024 and 36 cases in 2023.
“For the period 2020 to 2025, 2025 recorded the highest number of fatal accidents in Sibu, thus placing this area among those that recorded a high rate of road accidents in Sarawak,” he said when met by reporters at the Road Safety Campaign in conjunction with the 2026 Chinese New Year Celebration at a PETRONAS petrol station, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, here today (Feb 10).
According to Lee, who is also Sarawak Road Safety Council President, statistics also show an increase in cases of serious injury, from six cases in 2023 to 13 cases in 2025.
Meanwhile, for the category of minor injuries and vehicle damage, a total of 2,019 cases were recorded in 2023, increasing to 2,097 cases in 2024, and 2,094 cases in 2025.
In this regard, he reminded all road users to increase their level of vigilance and always obey traffic rules, especially during the festive season, to reduce the risk of accidents.
“Our main goal is to ensure that all citizens can celebrate the festival safely, return to their villages and return to their respective destinations without any unwanted incidents, so that the festival can be celebrated in a happy, peaceful and prosperous atmosphere with their loved ones,” he said.
He stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility and should not be borne solely by the police or the Road Transport Department.
Meanwhile, Lee also urged the public to share information and report any dangerous traffic offences, including driving against the traffic flow that could threaten the safety of other road users.
“Let us all play our respective roles in ensuring road safety for the well-being of all of us. Safety is not an option, but a priority,” he stressed.
Also present was Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee.
