KUALA LUMPUR: Alliance for Safe Community Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has called on enforcement authorities to take stronger action against those who break the law and conduct more frequent inspections to address road debris.
Lee made the call following a tragic five-vehicle accident at KM204 of the North-South Expressway near Ayer Keroh, which resulted in the deaths of seven people, including a family of five.
"It is very tragic to see that this year 2024 is going to end with such a severe road crash, involving five vehicles and leaving seven people dead and 33 injured.
"Enforcement authorities have to reassess and review and to see whether they have done enough (and) as to whether the strategy has been effective enough to deal with all these problems.
"Enforcement is very vital for road safety. Law enforcement has to be strengthened, and the authorities must act very strongly. They must be tough with all those who break the laws—no compromises," he told the New Straits Times.
He also called for authorities to conduct more frequent inspections to address road debris and ensure that commercial vehicles are thoroughly inspected for their safety.
"Along our highways and roads, very often we see things left on the road—tyres, heavy equipment, even pieces of wood. Highway operators should carry out frequent inspections and quickly remove any obstacles that could lead to accidents.
"Heavy vehicle operators must do more to ensure road safety. They must monitor their drivers and ensure they are fit to drive. Regular health checks are essential, and their vehicle too must be inspected for safety.
"How, in the first place, can the tyre detach and fall on the road? This needs to be questioned. Are the necessary checks being done thoroughly? The effectiveness of these inspections must come into question," he said.
Lee also calls for authorities to make the country's roads safer to avoid future occurrences, as such accidents are not uncommon.
"The question that arises now is this: will there be future tragedies? Incidents like this are not the first time. One is bound to ask, how safe are our roads in Malaysia?
"If drastic measures are not taken, Malaysia could develop a reputation for poor road safety. We already have 6,000 to 7,000 people dying on the roads annually. For a country with a population of about 34 million, this is quite alarming."
On Dec 23, the accident involving a tourist bus carrying 27 passengers, two lorries, a car, and an SUV claimed the lives of seven people - including a family of five, while injuring 33 others.
An initial investigation revealed that the tourist bus collided with a detached tyre from one of the lorries in the middle lane. This caused the bus to lose control and swerve into oncoming traffic, colliding with three vehicles.
The victims who died included the bus driver, four passengers from the SUV, and the driver and a passenger from the bus.