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| Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha in this file picture taken on Aug 18 at the launching of Yamaha's 13th 'Balik Kampung' Highway Safety Campaign |
KUALA LUMPUR : The speed limit for federal and state roads throughout the country has been reduced by 10km per hour (kmph) in a bid to ensure the safety of road users during the "balik kampung" exodus for Aidilfitri.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said the speed limit for federal roads was now 80kmph from 90kmph, and that of state roads 70kmph from 80kmph.
He said the reduction in the speed limit started two days ago, and would continue until Sept 6.
"Although road accident deaths showed a four percent reduction in the first half of this year, it is better to take precaution prior to and during the journey," he told reporters after launching the National Road Safety Campaign 2011 in conjunction with the Aidilfitri here, today.
Asked whether action would be taken against those who disregarded the speed limit, the minister said the various enforcement bodies had taken steps towards this.
Kong said the ministry would closely monitor road users during the whole campaign to reduce the total number of accidents and deaths during the home-coming exodus this year.
On a joint request by the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations and the National Consumer Complaints Centre for the ministry to revamp the Road Transport Act 1967, Land Public Transport Act 2010 and Land Public Transport Commission Act 2010, he said the ministry would look further into it.
In fact, Kong said, the relevant agencies under the ministry met this morning to discuss the matter. "We'll further study the proposal and we'll come back to them," he said.
On reports that about 1,200 buses had failed Puspakom tests, he said the Land Public Transport Commission would handle the matter.
"They have to do the necessary repairs or replacements, and they have to go back until they pass. Then only can they be on the road," he said.
He also advised road users going back to their hometowns for Hari Raya to follow the travel time advisory issued by highway operator Plus Expressways to avoid congestion.
