Malaysias killing fields
Dr Chris AnthonyPublished: Sep 26, 2005 4:36 AM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 10:21 AM
It is really distressing to note that about 6,000 Malaysians die in road accidents each year. This is an alarming figure and definitely calls for immediate inquiry and action by all parties. SM Mohamad Idris has mentioned a number of measures to be taken to reduce these wasteful and premature deaths of young Malaysians on our roads. Our roads have become real death traps to these youngsters.
One more important factor is the ever increasing number of vehicles on the roads. I have been driving for the past 28 years and the volume of traffic now has increased so tremendously that today it is almost impossible to avoid accidents however careful we are.
It has become a fashion to own cars now, not one but as many as one can afford. It is common for one to own a sedan, one four-wheel drive and one MPV each for a different use. The government seems to encourage us to buy cars and motorcycles by allowing 100 percent loans with extended repayment periods.
Soon we may be allowed to pay for life. If we buy a imported car loans exceeding the value of the car, loans can be "arranged" so that we can even get some extra cash to pay for the fitting of accessories.
Motor vehicles may be a necessity today but their numbers can be reduced if we have better a public transport system. These systems should be available not just in Kuala Lumpur but throughout the country.
Most of us would prefer to take buses, trains, the LRT if they are available and run properly. Our train services which used to be a popular, safe and cheap form of transport is almost dead now. Their place have taken by the express bus operators.
The drivers of these buses recklessly speed along our highways like big bullies. Their big brothers, the lorry, truck and trailer operators are even worse. These operators are never seen to booked by the authorities but the poor, careful driver who occasionally exceeds the speed limit by a mere 10km on a clear stretch of the highway immediately get pounced upon.
Our leaders often claim our country is rapidly on its way to attain a developed status. We even have a vision to achieve this. But what are we doing to reduce the loss of lives on our roads any futures intellectuals are being lost daily on this battlefield.
One more important factor is the ever increasing number of vehicles on the roads. I have been driving for the past 28 years and the volume of traffic now has increased so tremendously that today it is almost impossible to avoid accidents however careful we are.
It has become a fashion to own cars now, not one but as many as one can afford. It is common for one to own a sedan, one four-wheel drive and one MPV each for a different use. The government seems to encourage us to buy cars and motorcycles by allowing 100 percent loans with extended repayment periods.
Soon we may be allowed to pay for life. If we buy a imported car loans exceeding the value of the car, loans can be "arranged" so that we can even get some extra cash to pay for the fitting of accessories.
Motor vehicles may be a necessity today but their numbers can be reduced if we have better a public transport system. These systems should be available not just in Kuala Lumpur but throughout the country.
Most of us would prefer to take buses, trains, the LRT if they are available and run properly. Our train services which used to be a popular, safe and cheap form of transport is almost dead now. Their place have taken by the express bus operators.
The drivers of these buses recklessly speed along our highways like big bullies. Their big brothers, the lorry, truck and trailer operators are even worse. These operators are never seen to booked by the authorities but the poor, careful driver who occasionally exceeds the speed limit by a mere 10km on a clear stretch of the highway immediately get pounced upon.
Our leaders often claim our country is rapidly on its way to attain a developed status. We even have a vision to achieve this. But what are we doing to reduce the loss of lives on our roads any futures intellectuals are being lost daily on this battlefield.
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