KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has recorded over 3.14 million road accidents in the past six years, averaging around 1,720 cases daily, according to police data.
Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri said most crashes were due to reckless or inattentive driving, particularly mobile phone use behind the wheel.
He told Utusan Malaysia that common causes also include loss of control, failing to observe junctions, and ignoring nearby vehicles or animals.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});Annual statistics show fluctuating trends, with 2020 and 2021 recording lower figures due to pandemic-related movement restrictions.
Reported cases were 567,516 in 2019, 418,237 in 2020, 370,286 in 2021, 545,588 in 2022, 599,967 in 2023, and 638,060 in 2024.
Despite the rising number of accidents, fatal crash rates have declined due to increased enforcement and targeted operations.
Mohd Yusri said the recent “Ops Lancar” operation cut fatal cases during the Haj holiday from 84 last year to 58 this year.
He added that new enforcement strategies and public awareness campaigns are helping improve road safety nationwide.
The department has also prioritised investigation efficiency and transparency since he took over the role.
Malaysians are urged to remain focused on the road and avoid distractions, particularly mobile phones, to reduce preventable accidents.