Malaysia’s Transport Ministry has said that it is seeking to reduce the traffic-related death index to two persons for every 10,000 vehicles by 2020.

In addition, the ministry also hopes to reduce the number of road-related deaths by 50% by 2020, the Bernama news agency reported.

The road traffic related death index has fallen from 4.51 persons in 2004 to 2.9 persons for every 10,000 vehicles in 2013.

"A review will be carried out on the existing road safety education offered at schools."

Malaysia transport minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai was quoted by the news agency as saying: "Based on the trend, the number of deaths is expected to increase by 10,716 cases in 2020, but if we take proactive precautionary measures, including exposing children to road safety and awareness campaign[s], we will be able to achieve the target to reduce the death toll."

To reduce the death index, the government will carry out awareness campaigns, enforce traffic laws and conduct various programmes organised by the Road Safety Department, which launched the Road Safety Plan 2014-2020 to reduce road accidents and deaths.

Among all road-related deaths, the highest percentage were motorcyclists and pillion riders, with 4,294 out of 6,000 deaths recorded last year.

Lai added: "A total of 1,300 of them were below the age of 20. This statistic can be avoided if they had gained better understanding and knowledge on road safety.

"Therefore, a review will be carried out on the existing road safety education offered at schools, which will most probably be upgraded according to current requirements."