Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants the court to expedite the hearing process and swiftly punish errant drivers who cause accidents.

He said if court action is delayed, it will not have an impact on the offenders as well as frustrate the government's efforts to reduce the number of accidents, especially during festive seasons.

"What we have to do when an accident occurs, and after establishing the mistakes by the bus companies, taxis, lorries or individuals, is to speed up the legal process.

"Punishment must be expedited, if it is delayed, the offenders won't feel it," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

The premier also expressed regret over the 18 deaths which occurred due to road accidents on the first day of Ops Sikap XI., launched Tuesday.

Drivers' attitude

Abdullah also said he was surprised as to why so many accidents happened in Malaysia but is certain that it has to do with the attitude of drivers.

"I am disappointed, angry and not pleased ... everything. In other countries, developed countries, there are more cars (compared to Malaysia) but not as many accidents," he added.

He said other countries also celebrated festivals such as Christmas and New Year's Day but have a lower number of accidents.

"They have a bigger population and more cars, but this (high number of accidents) do not happen. Why are we so unfortunate? The cause is the drivers themselves," he added.

Yesterday, another 16 deaths were recorded, bringing the total number of road accident fatalities over 48 hours to 34.

Of the 16, 11 were motorcyclists, two car drivers, two van passengers and one pedestrian.

According to federal traffic police chief Nooryah Md Anvar, 1,054 accidents were reported and 10,833 summonses were issued nationwide yesterday.