Sarawak police launch Op Selamat with 850 personnel to curb road accidents during CNY, targeting 85 hotspots after a rise in fatal crashes.

KUCHING: Sarawak police will deploy 850 personnel statewide from February 15 to 20 for the Chinese New Year celebration period.

The operation, dubbed Op Selamat, aims to strengthen enforcement and reduce the rate of road accidents.

Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said the move follows an increase in fatal accidents this year.

From January 1 to February 11, fatal accident cases rose to 49, compared to 32 in the same period last year.

“This is extremely worrying for us,” he told reporters after officiating the launch of Op Selamat.

He attributed the increase mainly to driver carelessness and negligence.

Mohamad Zainal noted that last year’s Op Selamat successfully reduced fatal accident cases in the state.

He expressed hope that this year’s operation would similarly reduce road accidents and fatalities.

Police have identified 85 accident hotspots statewide for intensified traffic monitoring and control.

These hotspots are concentrated in major cities like Kuching, Sibu and Bintulu.

The commissioner also advised the public to drive carefully during the long holiday period.

He urged drivers to stop and rest if they feel tired to prevent accidents.

 The Sun Malaysia