KUALA LUMPUR: The roles and functions of the Road Safety Department (JKJR) will be absorbed into the Road Transport Department (RTD) effective May 1.
The Transport Ministry in a statement today said the decision was made in an effort to empower all government agencies under the ministry.
Despite the absorption, the ministry assured that no JKJR employees would be retrenched.
"Instead, all JKJR staff will serve the JPJ by carrying out their role as the leading road safety advocates to increase awareness on road safety as well as to reduce death rates and injuries caused by road accidents.
"The staff will continue to play a role as coordinator for new initiatives toward improving road safety.
"The ministry hopes that this absorption will improve and enhance the governance of specialised departments in road safety matters while benefiting all Malaysians," the statement read.
According to the Transport Ministry, the absorption was done in accordance with the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) and related road transport rules.
Act 333 is an Act to make provision about the regulation of motor vehicles and traffic in streets and other things that have linkages with roads and vehicles, according to the statement.
"In addition, the Act also provides for protection against third parties against risks arising from the use of motor vehicles in addition to assigning a method or a way for construction and the use of motor vehicles."