TAWAU: A total of 354 people were killed in road accidents between January and October in Sabah this year, according to state police statistics.
Of the number, 37 per cent involved motorcyclists and pillion riders, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
He said, based on the statistics, Kota Kinabalu recorded the highest casualties at 49 deaths, followed by Lahad Datu (46), Tawau (34) and Sandakan (23).
“According to the Sabah traffic police, the number of fatal accidents in the state was occurring at an alarming rate.
“To reduce accidents, various efforts are being taken primarily by the Road Safety Department and the police to raise awareness among road users,” said Pairin, who is also Infrastructure Development Minister, in his speech at the Christmas Festive Season 2013 Road Safety Campaign and Seminar on Road Safety here yesterday.
The speech was delivered by state infrastructure development assistant minister Datuk Gulam Haidar Khan Bahadar. — Bernama