KUBANG PASU: The Road Transport Department is conducting a study to analyse the factors contributing to Kuala Muda having the highest number of fatalities in road accidents nationwide.
State RTD director Aman Shah Hashim said that the study would be a collaborative effort with researchers from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
"In this particular case, this research has to be conducted with a collaboration with other agencies and institutions as there are a multitude of factors that are involved.
"We can't rely solely on the research conducted by the RTD as we may only have a limited perspective on the issue, so that is why we are engaging with experts from UUM and UiTM.
"Of course, we will keep an eye on all hot-spots for road accidents in the state but Kuala Muda will be the major focus," he said during a press conference at the RTD Crash Helmet Exchange programme in conjunction with the 2024 New Year's Eve celebration at Tasik Darulaman here yesterday.
Aman Shah said efforts to promote road safety habits and practices would also be intensified next year to reduce road accident rates in Kuala Muda.
He said that collaboration with the police and other relevant agencies for effective law enforcement will also be a priority.
"At the same time, there must be dialogues involving the federal and state governments to address and determine the direction for this issue," he added.
On Nov 19, a Malay daily newspaper reported that Kuala Muda recorded the highest total of fatalities in road accidents in the country.
According to RTD statistics, 108 and 121 fatalities had occurred on Kuala Muda roads in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Meanwhile, 684 Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) certified helmets, comprising 504 adult helmets and 180 children's helmets were distributed during the programme.
Aman Shah stressed that proper use of helmets could reduce head injury risks by up to 70 per cent and decrease the risk of death by up to 40 per cent, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO).
"In 2023, 1,753 summons were issued for helmet-related offences, marking a 159 per cent increase compared to 676 in 2022.
"Please be reminded that wearing helmets is not only a legal requirement but, more importantly, understand that helmet use provides safety protection for the head, preventing more severe injuries," he added.