KUCHING, Dec 21- Road accident statistics in Sarawak show an increase of 2.4 percent where 19,964 cases were recorded from January to November 2024, compared to 19,498 cases in the same period in 2023.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said that although there was a 3 percent decrease in fatal accident cases, from 336 cases in 2023 to 326 cases in 2024. However, the decline of 10 cases does not reflect a significant change in attitude among road users.

"A total of 59 accident cases involving public transport were recorded in 2024, an increase compared to 56 cases in 2023. However, no fatal accidents involving public transport were reported this year, compared to one fatal case the previous year," he said.

He said this when met by reporters at the Road Safety Advocacy Programme at the Kuching Sentral Bus Terminal, here on Friday.

Hasbi also announced that the Sarawak Road Transport Department (JPJ) will deploy officers in plain clothes as undercover passengers to monitor bus drivers' compliance with road rules and ensure vigilance.

“This measure aims to improve passenger safety by ensuring drivers comply with road rules throughout the journey,” he said.

In the event of a violation, Hasbi said strict action will be taken including by stopping the bus immediately.

Transport companies are also required to provide new drivers to ensure that the journey can continue without risk to passengers.