The Melaka government is prioritizing the identification and improvement of street lighting in accident-prone "blackspot" areas, especially in rural locations, to reduce recurring road accidentsThis initiative, announced by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, comes after state police data revealed 7,871 traffic accidents with 68 fatalities in the first four months of the year. Roads with the most urgent need for better lighting are being targeted for immediate improvements. “Therefore, the state government will improve the lighting in the affected areas to improve the safety of road users,“ he says in a Bernama report.To properly upgrade street lighting, the state however, will need a higher budget than it already has. Chairman of the Melaka State Public Works, Infrastructure, Public Facilities, and Transport Committee Datuk Hameed Mytheen Kunju Bashee stated that approximately RM25 million is needed by the Melaka government to resolve the state's street lighting problems.
Basheer reported that only RM3.5 million was received this year for street lighting, comprising RM3 million from the federal government and RM500,000 from the state government. He noted last month that this amount, which excludes village roads, remains insufficient to address the street lighting issues on state roads.
