A radio station is under threat of losing its licence because road accidents have increased.
The Minister of Information, Mohamad Rahmat, said Time Highway Radio was set up with the understanding that it would provide 'tips on safe driving and road manners', as well as traffic reports and entertainment.
He was disappointed with the station's efforts towards improving the attitude of motorists and helping to reduce accidents.
'Instead of less accidents, we see an increase,' he said. 'This shows that the station has not been effective in educating motorists.' His remarks followed official expressions of concern about the heavy death toll resulting from accidents over the Lunar New Year and Muslim Hari Raya holiday period.
Earlier, the Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, said the authorities did not know what else they could do to reduce accidents. 'We are at our wits' end,' he said.
Mr Rahmat said the Government would review Time Highway Radio's role to determine whether it had fulfilled the conditions stipulated under its licensing agreement.
The minister said announcers of Time Highway Radio and other stations were concentrating on providing entertainment and not giving sufficient emphasis to educating listeners.