"The government has seen this as an urgent need because accident statistics show riders top the fatality list."

From May to July last year, he said riders made up 57.6 per cent of the fatality. In same period this year, he said the rate had risen to 64.27 per cent. 

"I shall bring this proposed infrastructure upgrading in Sarawak for discussion in the parliament. I m confident the government will show the same concern in the light of balanced development nationwide."

For consideration of such infrastructure development in Sarawak, he anticipated the government would need to overcome certain obstacles.

"For example, many trunk roads are built close to the housing estates."

He said land in Sarawak was vast, and the government might need to implement this in stages.

He hoped developers in Sarawak would also consider including such proposal in their master plans as they opened up new areas for development.

Tiong said in the parliament sitting on Monday, he had discussed much on safety and aids for riders.

"There are two reasons why I show so much concern for them. 

"One is, many motorcyclists are from the lower income group. In the wake of the global inflation, their life has been hard hit. Oil prices have risen.

"In the discussion on Monday, I want to ensure the government is caring for the riders."

For the other reason, he said he was worried that motorists had topped the road fatality list.

In a reply of the ministry, he said with oil price hiking from RM1.42 to RM2.70, riders were spending about RM10 more monthly based on a daily travel of 20 km.

"There is another concern from the ministry. More road users are riding now as people try to cut down on transport spending."

He said in May this year, a total of 51,188 motorcycles were registered. "In June, 59,412. July saw a slight drop at 49,047."

On the higher fatality rate among the riders, he said the Transport Ministry assured they were looking into ways to remedy the situation.

"Among them are to require riders to wear "Sirim" helmets, riding at speed of not exceeding 60 km per hour and encouraging riders to use public transport during rush hours and festivals."

He said traffic offences would be enforced by the policemen and the officers of the Land Transport Department.

In parliament, he said they were also debating on a law amendment for a more efficient enforcement through arrests, compound fees and prosecutions of the traffic offenders.

"Speeding and dangerous riding will be harshly dealt with. Hell riding will not be tolerated."