TANJUNG MANIS – The government is intensifying efforts to reduce road accident fatalities by 50% by the year 2030, in line with the national road safety agenda, said Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Sarawak Lands and Environment Administration, Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Kuala Rajang MyLesen Programme held at the IKS Hall, Tanjung Manis, on Sunday, Datuk Len Talif highlighted that the commitment requires cooperation from all sectors—including enforcement agencies, community organisations and responsible road users.
“According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), road accidents cause annual losses of up to RM19.7 billion. This includes medical costs, lost productivity, and damage to public infrastructure,” he said.
He stressed that traffic accidents not only cause injuries and fatalities but also impact the nation’s health system and economy, especially due to the loss of skilled workers vital for long-term development.
Datuk Len Talif urged participants of the MyLesen programme to become ethical, law-abiding, and responsible road users who practice tolerance and mutual respect.
“Make good use of the driving licence and road facilities provided by the government. Uphold safety, respect other road users, and drive with discipline,” he said.
The MyLesen initiative, introduced in the Kuala Rajang state constituency, has successfully enabled 1,195 participants—mainly from the B40 and low-income groups—to obtain a Class B2 motorcycle licence since its launch earlier this year.
The programme is designed to improve mobility, legal compliance, and road safety among underprivileged communities, ensuring no one is left behind in the national transportation framework.
Also present at the event were Sarawak JPJ Director Norizan Jili, Tanjung Manis District Officer Siti Nurkayah Jawawi, and JPJ Sarikei Branch Head Yusuf Adnan, along with other local officials.
