Deputy Works Minister says driver behaviour accounts for 80.6% of fatal accidents in Malaysia.

PETALING JAYA: Human negligence remains the leading cause of fatal road accidents in Malaysia, accounting for 80.6% of cases, according to the latest data from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros).

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan told the Dewan Rakyat that driver behaviour continues to dominate accident statistics. “Examples of human negligence include speeding, carelessness and microsleep. Microsleep alone accounts for about 20% of cases. When driving and feeling drowsy, motorists should stop and not continue their journey,” he said.

Road conditions contribute to 13.2% of fatal accidents, while 6.2% are linked to poorly maintained vehicles. Ahmad acknowledged that road conditions fall under the ministry’s responsibility.

He was responding to Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (Pasir Salak-PN), who raised concerns about safety along Federal Route FT-109 and cited more than 51,000 complaints on road damage received via the MyJalan application. Ahmad said the ministry would prioritise action subject to formal application through the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN).

The Works Ministry continues to implement Federal Road maintenance through routine and periodic programmes monitored by the Public Works Department, supported by allocations of RM2.48 billion in 2024, RM2.96 billion in 2025 and RM2.42 billion in 2026.

In a separate reply to Manndzri Nasib (Tenggara-BN), Ahmad said 15,160 out of 16,671 complaints received through MyJalan under the ministry’s jurisdiction had been resolved. He added that nearly 70% of reports (37,384) were outside the ministry’s purview but were forwarded to relevant agencies under a “no wrong door” policy.

 The Sun Malaysia