USE DESIGNATED MOTORCYCLE LANE ON SECOND PENANG BRIDGE TO AVOID ACCIDENTS, SAY AUTHORITIES

BATU KAWAN, March 15 (Bernama) – Motorcyclists using the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge (JSAHMS) are urged to use the designated motorcycle lane to prevent accidents.

Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd (JKSB) chief executive officer, Datuk Faisal Shahbudin, said monitoring indicates most accidents on JSAHMS involved motorcyclists who did not use the motorcycle lane.

"We urge motorcyclists travelling on JSAHMS, also known as the Second Penang Bridge, to use the designated motorcycle lane to avoid accidents. Last year, there were fatal accidents involving motorcyclists.

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"I'm not sure of the exact number of accidents, but there have been fatal incidents because riders did not use the motorcycle lane. Although it was open, they chose to ride on the main road instead, resulting in collisions with stationary cars in the emergency lane. This is what we want to prevent," he said.

He told this to reporters after launching the Jom Selamat Campaign in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The event was also attended by Penang Road Transport Department (RTD) Director Zulkifly Ismail at the JSAHMS Toll Plaza Complex today.

Faisal said they are collaborating on the Jom Selamat Campaign with RTD to raise awareness on road safety, particularly on JSAHMS during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season. It is also part of the 'Sinar Sejahtera' safety initiative. 

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At the campaign launch, JKSB distributed windbreaker jackets and reflective stickers to motorcyclists to enhance their visibility on the road. Mini fire extinguishers were also provided to Class 1 vehicle users as an added safety measure.

He said the JKSB will continue to advocate for and educate the public on road safety to ensure safe travel, particularly during festive seasons when highway traffic significantly increases.

Meanwhile, Zulkifly said the Penang RTD plans to carry out enforcement operations during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period. These operations will focus on accident-prone routes, particularly in Seberang Perai Utara and Seberang Perai Selatan on the mainland, as well as in Barat Daya on the island.

"The operations will be carried out a week before and after Hari Raya Aidilfitri. It will not only involve private vehicles but also express buses to ensure adherence with safety regulations when ferrying passengers," he added.

-- BERNAMA