PM Anwar flags alarming rise in youth road deaths, mostly motorcyclists, urging stronger safety action.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed concern over the high number of road fatalities involving young people recorded in 2024.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said a total of 4,000 deaths involving youths were reported last year, with the majority of cases involving motorcyclists.
He said the figure was briefed to the Cabinet by the Road Safety Committee.
“This figure is deeply worrying and was raised by the Prime Minister during today’s Cabinet meeting. Most of the fatalities involved motorcycle accidents,” he told reporters at the weekly post-Cabinet press conference today.
Fahmi said the report highlighted the urgent need for more coordinated and aggressive measures to improve road safety, particularly among young road users, who remain the most vulnerable group.
In a related development, Fahmi said the government will continue its initiative of offering toll discounts during festive seasons, with the Ministry of Works expected to announce toll discounts in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration.
He said the initiative aims to help reduce travel costs and assist motorists in planning their journeys more effectively, including choosing the most suitable dates to return to their hometowns.
Fahmi added that full details on the discount rates and the types of vehicles eligible for the toll discounts will be announced by the Ministry of Works in the near future.
