OP SELAMAT 25: PDRM AIMS FOR 5 PCT DROP IN ROAD ACCIDENTS, FATALITIES

SUNGAI BULOH, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is targeting at least a five per cent reduction in accidents, fatal crashes and deaths during the implementation of Op Selamat 25 from Feb 15 to Feb 20, in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said projections indicate that more than 2.8 million vehicles will use major highways nationwide during the festive season, and that the surge in traffic will increase the risk of accidents.

“We expect a surge in traffic given the close timing of the Chinese New Year and the start of Ramadan.

“Our main objective is clear, to reduce road accidents, fatal crashes and deaths by at least five per cent compared to statistics recorded during the previous Op Selamat,” he said.

Mohd Khalid said this at the launch of Op Selamat 25 at the Sungai Buloh Overhead Bridge Restaurant (Northbound) today. His speech was read by Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri.

Mohd Khalid said strict enforcement would be implemented against six major offences: driving over the speed limit, overtaking dangerously, using mobile phones while driving, running red lights, misusing emergency lanes, and driving while fatigued.

To ease traffic flow, he said 32 smart lanes will be activated at strategic locations, and road users are advised to observe signage before using them.

Meanwhile, Mohd Khalid said that throughout the operation, PDRM will also focus on preventing house break-ins by deploying 6,543 personnel, involving 2,670 patrol vehicles and 1,800 motorcycles.

He said 24-hour patrols on a shift basis will cover 1,129 patrol areas nationwide, focusing on hot spots identified through the Safe City Monitoring System (SPBS).

“Based on SPBS analysis, 3,148 hot spots have been identified, with Selangor having the highest number at 764 areas, followed by Kuala Lumpur with 446,” he said.

Mohd Khalid advised those returning to their hometowns to report their movements via the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol application or at the nearest police station to facilitate the planning of patrol deployment.

-- BERNAMA