PETALING JAYA: In a plea for change, a petition has been mooted on Change.org seeking urgent reforms to address Malaysia’s road safety issues.

The petition, titled “Address Road Safety Crisis in Malaysia Urgently”, was initiated by one Para Rajagopal, who shared a personal story of loss.

It urged the government and relevant authorities to take decisive action to address the matter.

The petition also showed 12 mugshots of the 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students who were killed in an accident on the East-West Highway early Monday.

“My best friend was just 24 when his life was tragically cut short in a road accident.

“He was killed by a speeding car while on his motorcycle, a loss that still echoes in my life and the lives of many who knew and loved him.

“Unfortunately, his story is not unique. Malaysia’s roads have become a critical danger zone with countless families suffering similar tragedies,” the petition read.

Highlighting alarming statistics from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, which reported more than 6,000 fatalities in 2022, the petition stressed the urgent need for change.

It also called for stricter speed limit enforcement and enhanced police presence on the roads, as well as comprehensive road safety awareness campaigns to educate the public.

“We need a collective effort to make our roads safer for everyone,” it said.

The petition also emphasised the importance of improving road infrastructure, including better lighting, clearer signs and safer pedestrian crossings.

“Each life lost is not just a statistic; it is a heart-wrenching remin­der of what could have been prevented.

“Together, let’s create safer roads and protect lives,” it added.