THE Health Ministry noted with concern the rise in the number of injuries and deaths resulting from road accidents with the easing of movement restrictions.

Referring to data from the Bukit Aman traffic police, director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said there were more road crashes during the period of conditional movement control from May 4 to June 9 compared to the movement control period from March 18 to May 4.

From March 18-31, there were 5,498 road accidents and 58 resulting deaths, for a daily traffic accident rate of 392.7.

The rate rose to 738 traffic accidents per day during the CMCO period, which began on May 4.

Police data showed that from May 5-12, there were 5,904 road crashes and 68 deaths.

From May 13 to June 9, the figure rose to 25,251 road accidents with 231 deaths, or 738 accidents per day.

“Early statistical data showed that government hospitals saw a 65-75% reduction of road trauma cases during the MCO,” said Dr Noor Hisham.

“However, road trauma figures rose by 30% during the CMCO as there was more movement on the highways. The rate of increase is worrying.

“The health ministry is concerned about public road safety, especially that of workers returning to work as more economic and social sectors reopen.

“The effects of an accident are serious. It may involve the loss of life or perhaps permanent disability such as the loss of limbs or other bodily functions.”

Noor Hisham said a rise in road accidents also affected the hospitals’ abilities to serve.

“It may mean an increased use of emergency rooms, less available beds and intensive care,” he said, adding there may also be greater need for blood.
 
Noor Hisham advised drivers to to stay off the road when tired or sleep-deprived. – June 10, 2020.