KUALA LUMPUR: Police will conduct “total enforcement” in accident-prone areas nationwide to minimise traffic accidents during the Hari Raya period.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador said total enforcement would see constant patrolling of these hot spots by district policemen.
He said, during the upcoming Op Selamat, from Wednesday to June 12, police would also conduct Op Lancar, which would include safety campaigns and road advocacy.
“Based on statistics, the previous Op Selamat saw an increase of road accidents from 22,402 cases in 2017 to 22,411 cases last year.
“However, the number of deaths dropped from 239 cases in 2017 to 235 cases in 2018,” he said after attending an Op Selamat event at Menara TM.
Hamid said motorcyclists were still the main contributors to the death toll during Op Selamat, though there was a slight decrease from 169 deaths in 2017 to 148 deaths last year.
Hamid said police would focus on six main traffic violations under Op Selamat, including driving in emergency lanes, using mobile phones, speeding and running red lights.
“Road users are advised to be responsible while driving and not be selfish because what’s most important is patience.
“If you refuse to comply, we will impose the highest penalty.
“If you think RM300 is a small amount, then by all means, break the rules.”
Hamid said 4,500 policemen would be on duty throughout Op Selamat, their leave having been frozen to ensure the safety of road users.
It is estimated that about three to four million vehicles would be on the road this Hari Raya, and massive traffic congestion is expected on several main highways in the country.