Kong: AES led to big drop in traffic offences

Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha claims that the traffic offenses have dropped  dramatically with the implementation of the Automated Enforcement System (AES).

"I think within a two weeks, the (offense) rate has dropped by 60%. There is even a zero traffic light offense in a place in a day," he told reporters after officiating MCA Wanita delegates meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.

However, Kong (left) did not provide details.

He also claimed that the silent majority supports the system as he has purportedly "received a lot of praise from people on this (AES)."

He also urged the Penang government to follow suit with the implementation to bring down the accident rate.

"Penang government should care more about the people's lives and the (AES) actually saves lives and inculcates good road safety culture," he added.

Asked if the AES could affect the BN's winning chances in looming polls , his reply was just "we care more for the lives of the people".

On Tuesday, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had announced that the state government had suspended the AES implementation pending a study.

Later, Penang state executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow said the state government had invited the transport ministry's secretary-general to explain the AES implementation.

On Thursday, parliamentarian Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena) tabled a motion of RM10 salary cut for Kong for  "stubbornness" in wanting to go ahead with the AES .

The controversial traffic system has been criticised for benefitingcrony companies, that some accuse of profiteering from traffic safety concerns.