Traffic accidents are unfortunately common occurrences in Malaysia and during any festive season, this number seems to increase even higher. Just yesterday on February 19, there was a major accident at the North-South Expressway at Km 261.4, headed north.
Source: Facebook
In the accident at the Menora Tunnel, two cars turned turtle after the collision which caused a massive traffic jam at around 11.30am. The Proton Saga and Proton Saga Aeroback both overturned, causing a five-kilometre congestion from Ipoh towards Kuala Kangsar.
According to NST, both lanes at the tunnel had to be temporarily closed off and it was difficult for rescue units to get to the accident site due to the traffic jam. In the midst of the congestion, motorists along the road showed some civic consciousness as they moved their vehicles to the sides of the road to allow them to get through. Bravo!
Source: Facebook
Photos of the accident and Malaysians finally showing civic consciousness went viral on social media as netizens praised them for handling the situation so well. That should always be the way! This action was likened to road users in Japan and Korea, who’d do the same whenever there’s an accident on the road.
Some netizens said, “Good job Malaysians! Finally we are learning to give way to emergency services and show our civic mindedness. Salute!” However, there were a few others who said that this was basic courtesy and everyone should already know to give way to rescue units.
Source: Facebook
Federal police Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department principal assistant director (enforcement) Superintendent Mustafa Bakri Salleh also expressed his gratitude to the motorists and said, “Thanks to the cooperation of all, including the traffic police, PLUS staff and road users, rescue units were able to pass to reach the site of the accident.”
The tunnel was reopened at 12pm after clean-up work was completed and the traffic got moving again. There were no reports of the victims’ injuries because when the rescue units arrived, they had left the site of accident.
We should always be like that, Malaysians and show that we are indeed civic minded citizens. Kudos to those motorists!
Also read: Mat Rempits Asked to Give Way to Ambulance, Beat Up Driver and Nurse Instead
