Malaysia's road fatality rate has been on an improving trend since 2005, dipping from 4.18 deaths per 10,000 registered vehicles that year to 3.55 deaths last year.

Revealing this figures today, Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat said Malaysia came in 46th place out 172 countries last year in regard to the road fatality index.

Speaking to reporters after launching a road safety campaign in conjunction with Wesak Day at the Batu Tiga toll plaza near Shah Alam, Ong said the index gave an accurate situation of road safety in so far as fatalities were concerned as many people might have the idea that the situation was out of control based on the numerous media reports about fatal accidents.

He added that the ministry targetted being among the top 20 nations in terms of having the lowest number of road fatalities in five years and that this was not an impossible task.

On today's campaign, he said it was all the more special because people of various faiths took part and offered prayers for the safety of road users.

Drivers exiting the toll were given stickers on road safety as a reminder to drive carefully and safely at all times.

- Bernama