KUCHING: Driver behaviour is the main cause of road accidents in Sarawak, says state police commissioner Comm Datuk Mancha Ata.
He said this included driving over the speed limit, not complying with other traffic regulations and making U-turns at designated P-turns along the Pan Borneo Highway.
"We will monitor and conduct patrols to ensure compliance, especially during the festive season," he told reporters after launching Ops Selamat in conjunction with Chinese New Year at the state police headquarters here on Wednesday (Feb 7).
Comm Mancha said road accidents during Chinese New Year increased to 521 last year compared to 412 the previous year.
He said fatal accidents during this period also rose from four in 2022 to seven last year.
In light of this, Comm Mancha said Ops Selamat would be conducted from Feb 8 to 13 and will involve about 850 police personnel statewide to reduce accidents and ensure road safety during the festive celebration.
He said the operation would focus on accident-prone and congested areas, with over 100 hot spots identified throughout the state.
In addition, he said police would work with the Sarawak Rivers Board and Marine Department to ensure the safety of river transport users.
"We will focus on express boat operators and other river transport towards our target of zero accidents.
"Marine police teams will monitor river travel in districts such as Sibu, Kapit, Song, Belaga and Kanowit," Comm Mancha said.
