Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said one of the main issues his ministry is prioritising is road safety, in view of the increasing number of road accidents.

“Each year, we see that the number of accidents are increasing, following the increase in the number of vehicles and road users on the road.

“Every year, we will launch road safety campaigns before festive seasons like Hari Raya, Gawai Dayak, Chinese New Year and Christmas because we want to continue to remind the public, especially road users, to be cautious when they are on the road,” he said.

He said this when launching the Road Safety Campaign in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Permyjaya here today.

Lee said it was important that those driving long distances take a break, as one of the main factors of accidents is fatigue.

He also reminded road users that the campaign’s success depends on community support.

“Road safety is the responsibility of everyone — not the government alone. It is important we instill road safety culture in our community. We use the road everyday, so we must be conscious about road safety.

“That is why my ministry, together with the Sarawak Road Safety Council, have proposed to revive the traffic games, where school children will have proper road safety education,” he said.

On Sarawak’s traffic gardens, Lee said he had inspected those in Kuching, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.

He hopes that once these traffic gardens, including the one in Sri Aman, are upgraded, Sarawak will be able to resume the traffic games.

“But this time, Shell will not be the main sponsor as they have indicated to me that they are now sponsoring traffic education online, which is called ‘Shell Selamat Sampai’.

“However, we hope that Shell will still contribute for Sarawak, especially Sarawak Shell Berhad, as this is a Sarawak eventm” he said.

Lee added that he will also be getting Petronas and Sarawak Energy Berhad for support towards the traffic games.

Also present were Shell Malaysia general manager (Government Affairs — East Malaysia) Jonathan Jolly and Miri deputy police chief Supt Mohd Sabri Zainol.