MALAYSIAN PM WANTS HOLISTIC APPROACH TO DEAL WITH ROAD SAFETY ISSUE

PEKAN (Malaysia), May 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun
Razak wants a more comprehensive and holistic approach in dealing with road
safety issue in the wake of the high number of road fatalities each year.

He said the new driving curriculum, to be introduced by the Road Transport
Department (JPJ), should be able to create competent, law-abiding and prudent
drivers.

"Each year, there are about 6,000 to 6,500 deaths on our roads. The losses
incurred in terms of costs to repair damaged infrastructure due to accidents
reach the figure of RM9 billion (US$2.73 billion) (US$1=RM3.29).

"There are also the costs borne by the government and families in treating
accident victims, not to mention the cost in terms of emotional sufferings and
so on," he said when opening the Malaysian Driving Institutes Association (PIMA)
annual general meeting here Saturday.

Najib said drivers should be equipped with sufficient skills and knowledge
to instill good driving practices.

He also said that reckless driving and failure to abide by the law were
among the main causes of accidents.

"These are accidents which we can actually avoid," Najib said.

Najib also said that enforcement of traffic law was still lacking.

"If the law is enforced more effectively, motorists would think twice about
speeding or breaking traffic law. Driving institutes should also be effective in
their roles as trainers as well as educators to nurture a generation of prudent
drivers," he said.

Asked by reporters on the high number of accidents despite the numerous and
costly road safety campaigns, Najib such campaign would continue to be held to
inculcate good driving habits among motorists.

"What is important is effective enforcement of the law and good training for
would-be drivers," he said.

Present were PIMA president Mat Aris Bakar and JPJ Director-General Datuk
Solah Mat Hassan.

-- BERNAMA