KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has urged citizens to adhere to road regulations as the number of road accidents in Sarawak shows no signs of decreasing.
Citing records that show a 9.8 per cent increase in road accidents in 2023 compared to 2022, he emphasised the importance of having a valid driving licence and being aware of the road regulations.
He stressed the need for awareness about the risks of allowing unlicensed individuals to drive, highlighting the potential impact on others, especially parents or guardians of underage individuals.
“It is crucial to follow the rules and regulations because driving without a licence not only constitutes a violation of traffic laws but also a criminal offence. This can expose guardians to legal actions.
“From an insurance perspective, if an accident involves an unlicensed driver, the insurance will not cover the damages, leaving the responsible party to bear the costs. If the driver is underage, their guardians can also be held liable for the legal consequences.
“Therefore, we must raise awareness among all parties, especially parents and guardians, to ensure that unlicensed children do not drive. If they are on the road, they should be aware of the regulations,” he said.
He told reporters this after officiating at the closing ceremony of the B2 Class My License Assistance programme at Al Abyad Mosque, Matang on Saturday.
The programme assisted 538 local residents in his Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency in obtaining their B2 Class Licence.
This initiative is part of the Ministry of Transport’s (MOT) corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, implemented through the Road Transport Department (RTD).
The programme, which ran from January 11 to May 25, involved written tests, driving training, and practical driving tests for eligible participants.
Similar programmes have previously been held in Limbang, Batang Lupar, Dalat, and other locations in Sarawak, specifically targeting the B40 low-income group.
The initiative, formerly known as the Malaysian Family Licence Assistance programme, was rebranded as MyLesen and launched by Transport Minister Anthony Loke on May 30, 2023.
Also present at the ceremony were Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki and RTD Sarawak Director Norizan Jili.
