Malaysia incurs up to RM30 billion in socio-economic losses annually due to road accidents, the Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said today. The figure accounts for economic values including risks linked to fatalities, loss of productivity and income, treatment costs, and wider societal impact [1, 2, 3].
In 2025 alone, road accidents claimed 6,537 lives in Malaysia, averaging 18 deaths per day. "We must not regard 18 deaths a day as normal. Every life saved is a victory for the people," the minister emphasized [1, 2, 3].
Human factors contribute to 80.6% of these accidents, highlighting the urgent need to address driver behavior and awareness [1, 2, 3]. The minister called for a comprehensive approach to road safety, incorporating education, enforcement, technology, and improvements in infrastructure [1, 2, 3].
The Works Ministry aims to shift focus from merely repairing roads after accidents to building and maintaining safer roads designed to reduce risks and minimize human error [1, 2, 3].
Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi noted the socio-economic cost goes beyond measurable economic loss, affecting families and communities deeply. "However, despite all these calculations, the loss of life still cannot be valued in ringgit," he said [1].
The government's announcement today underlines its commitment to reducing road fatalities and the heavy toll accidents take on Malaysia’s economy and society [1, 2, 3].
