SEREMBAN: Motorists, especially motorcyclists, are advised not to travel in big convoys during the festive season in order to avoid accidents.

 Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said big convoys  not only disrupt other road users but were also dangerous.

  "We do not encourage motorists to travel in a convoy during festive seasons as traffic is usually very heavy and may cause accidents.

  "I would like to remind those travelling in convoys to be  mindful of other road users," he said after  a dinner organised by the  state MCA at the Seremban Council hall here on Friday.

  Ong said the ministry would pay extra attention to motorists and pillion riders during Ops Sikap XVII as  statistics in previous operations showed this group recorded the highest number of  accidents.

 He said his ministry had   started a road safety programme, which included motorcycle inspection and  replacing  old helmets with new ones for free at  public universities because  students formed the bulk of motorcycle users.

   Ong also advised motorists  not to overload their vehicles during long journeys.