SIBU: A total of 17 stretches of federal roads have been identified as black spot locations in Sarawak based on a review period from 2016 to 2018.
Sarawak Police Commissioner (CP) Datuk Azman Yusuf said the 17 locations were dangerous and security personnel would be placed at these locations.
“These locations are relatively vulnerable areas with accidents. We see areas that are quite dangerous, so let us monitor them so that road users are made more cautious.
“We will indeed place our personnel in these locations,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after officiating at the state-level Christmas celebration “Ops Selamat” launching ceremony at the Sibu Gate on Tuesday.
The 17 locations are at KM 2, Jalan Bau/ Lundu; KM 9, Jalan Bau/ Lundu; Kota Samarahan at KM 1, Jalan Datuk Mohd Musa; KM 11 Jalan Datuk Mohd Musa; KM 16, Jalan Datuk Mohd Musa; Sri Aman at KM 65, Jalan Sri Aman/ Kuching; KM 20, Jalan Sri Aman/ Sarikei; KM 53, Jalan Sri Aman/ Sarikei; KM 56, Jalan Sri Aman/ Sarikei; Lubok Antu at KM 35, Jalan Sri Aman/ Sarikei; Sarikei at KM 431, Jalan Betong/ Sarikei/ Meradong, Mukah at KM 71, Jalan Sibu/ Bintulu; KM 79, Jalan Sibu/ Bintulu; and in Lawas at KM 1, Jalan Lawas/ Trusan; KM 4, Jalan Lawas/ Merapok.
Meawhile, when responding to reporters’ questions, he said, overall the accident rate in Sarawak was declining.
“The comparison we get is that we have managed to reduce the rate of road accidents based on the comparison between January to November 2017 and January to November 2018.
“The rate of fatal accidents and severe accidents has also decreased. However, there is a slight increase in the rate of accident involving damages,” he said.
He also said that the destinations in Sarawak also involve waters.
“We emphasise on boats carrying tourists in large capacity, as well as express boats and we will make sure they comply with the rules.
“For example they must have enough safety jackets. There have been some incidents like the collision of boats.
“Boat operators must be mindful of the rules they must follow when they take passengers to destinations during this festival. I’m sure the situation is so crowded because water transport is so important in Sarawak. I hope for full cooperation from boat operators; make sure everything is in a safe and orderly manner,” he said.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, Azman said Ops Selamat held in conjunction with Christmas celebration this year will be effective for 15 days from yesterday until 1 January 2019.
“In the meantime, the enforcement and operation methods that will be adopted during the Op Selamat will be in the form of ‘Two Points’ by focusing on two things: preventing house-breaking crimes and minimising road accidents.
“The purpose of Ops Selamat is to provide awareness of road users to practise pure values by prioritising safety while driving and ensuring the safety of property, premises, and abandoned homes to be kept safe from any criminal conduct,” he said.
He added that in order to achieve Ops Selamat’s goals and objectives more comprehensively, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) could not act alone.
“Without the excellent cooperation and collaboration between the police and the community, I believe Ops Selamat is not capable of achieving positive results.
“Therefore, on this occasion, I would like to call on all levels of society to always play the role and become eyes and ears for the police in the effort to curb and combat all criminal activities especially around the houses so that it can be effectively implemented to ensure the homes and properties that are left behind during the festive holidays are always in safe condition, “he said.
Also present at the launch were International Trade and E-Commerce Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh and Dudong Assemblyman Datuk Tiong Thai King.
