'Road crashes costing Malaysia RM30b yearly'
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Malaysia incurs a staggering RM30 billion in socioeconomic losses annually due to road accidents, according to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. The figure encompasses the economic value of risks associated with fatalities, including lost productivity, income, treatment costs, and the impact on families and society.
Nanta emphasized that the loss of life cannot be quantified in monetary terms. He stated that in 2022, road accidents claimed 6,537 lives in Malaysia, averaging 18 deaths per day. Of these accidents, 80.6% were attributed to human factors. Nanta underscored that addressing road safety necessitates a multi-faceted approach, involving education, enforcement, technology, and improved infrastructure.
The Works Ministry's stance is clear: they aim to build and maintain safer roads to reduce risks and minimize human error, rather than merely repairing roads post-accident. Nanta highlighted that the RM30 billion figure represents more than just an economic cost; it signifies the profound impact of road tragedies on families and society.
The greatest loss, he reiterated, is the premature deaths of loved ones, urging the nation not to normalize 18 deaths daily. Every life saved is a victory for the people.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
