No more official launch of road safety campaigns, says Anthony Loke

Updated 1 hour ago ·
Published on 12 Jan 2024 2:37PM ·

Anthony Loke is not stopping private companies from conducting safety campaigns. – Advokasi KJR Facebook pic, January 12, 2024.

BEGINNING this year, Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced the discontinuation of official launches for road safety campaigns at the ministry during festive seasons.

Following his 2024 New Year address, Loke informed reporters that this decision is motivated by a desire to cut down on the expenses associated with organising such events.

The cost for each campaign, which encompasses expenditures on souvenirs, food, public address systems, and tent installations, has been approaching RM200,000.

“All these inaugurations are unnecessary but the integrated operations implemented by the Road Transport Department will continue. We are just stopping the inaugurations.

“If private companies want to conduct campaigns, they can do so. What I’m stopping is the ministry’s budget because we will use it for better purposes, perhaps providing free helmets worth RM55 each as we found that some people are still using worn-out helmets,” said Loke.

Earlier in his speech, he explained that one of the main focuses this year is to promote safety, whether it is land, air or sea transport.

Citing the nearly 7,000 road accident fatalities in 2023, Loke said that the safety of public transportation users is a priority and that the upcoming programmes must achieve the goals.

Other priorities include strengthening connectivity and accessibility of public transport and logistics systems, optimising the maintenance culture of infrastructure, services and transport networks and promoting policy interventions based on digital innovation.

Loke said he has also requested regular performance reports from each agency under the ministry to serve as a benchmark for the programmes implemented.

“I am adopting this approach so that all initiatives will have a continuous communication plan. In this way, we will build confidence in the ministry,” he said. – Bernama, January 12, 2024.

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