Malaysia road accidents cause RM30 billion in annual losses

Malaysia incurs up to RM30 billion in annual socio-economic losses due to road accidents, according to Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi. The figure accounts for the economic value of mortality risks, including lost productivity, income, treatment costs, and the broader impact on families and society.

In 2025, road accidents claimed 6,537 lives, averaging 18 deaths per day. Minister Nanta noted that 80.6 per cent of these accidents are attributed to human factors. He emphasized that road safety requires a comprehensive approach involving education, enforcement, technology, and safer infrastructure rather than being the responsibility of a single ministry.

The findings were presented during a Cabinet committee meeting on road safety and congestion chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Ministry of Works stated its intention to focus on building and maintaining safer roads to reduce risks and minimize human error, rather than merely repairing roads after accidents occur.