More than 100 people have died from road accidents in Malaysia since a road safety operation was launched ahead of the Chinese New Year holidays this weekend.

A spokesman from the Bukit Aman police headquarters told Bernama that on Saturday - the eve of Chinese New Year - 13 road fatalities were recorded, bringing to 101 the number of deaths since last Sunday, when road safety traffic operations began.

A total of 1,262 road accidents had occurred nationwide, with motorcyclists and pillion riders topping the casualty list, the spokesman said.

Better than last year

However, Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy said the average daily death toll this year of 15 was lower than previous years.

"So from this angle, I can say that (road safety operations) have been effective," Chan told reporters, according to Bernama .

"I hope in seven or eight days, when people return from their home towns or to work, they will follow all the rules, be disciplined and plan their journeys properly," he added.

Malaysia's police traditionally launch crackdowns on traffic offences at holiday periods as people take to the roads to return home.

Malaysia is celebrating the Chinese New Year this weekend. Some 1.3 million people were estimated to have travelled by road to visit friends and family, and for holidays.