Less deaths but more accidents during CNY traffic op

A total of 19,472 accidents were recorded during the recent Op Selamat 8, an increase of 478 from last year. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, February 19, 2016.A total of 19,472 accidents were recorded during the Op Selamat 8 road safety operation held in conjunction with the Chinese New Year festive period which ended on February 15, said Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Noor Rashid Ibrahim.

He said even though the number of accident cases increased by 478 cases as compared to the Chinese New Year festive period last year, the death rate fell by 28 people to 279 as compared to 307 victims.

"Road users are still using the emergency lane and speeding resulting in their failure to control their vehicles," he said. 

He was speaking to reporters after a presentation of appreciation letters to careful drivers and the best police contingent/district under Op Selamat 8/2016 today.

At the ceremony, the Johor contingent was awarded as the best contingent in the operation while the Perak and Kelantan contingents took the second and third
place.

At the district level, South Johor Baru was named as the best district followed by Kota Star and Kuala Selangor in second and third place respectively.

On the setting up of the strike force teams under Op Selamat 8 in the southern zone in Negri Sembilan, Malacca and Johor, Noor Rashid said it showed positive resultss.

"These small teams based in Muar, Johor randomly patrol accident hot spots or high traffic locations.

"Looking at the results, we will study on the need and compatibility of the approach to be implemented in other zones namely northern zone, East Coast and central zone in future," he said. – Bernama, February 19, 2016.