The Transport Ministry today introduced a 'refreshing' way to curb road accidents during the coming festive season.

"Drink Tongkat Ali coffee to keep yourself awake and alert," Transport Minister Dr Ling Liong Sik told reporters after officiating a safety road campaign at the Gombak toll plaza, Karak Highway this afternoon.

Ling, who usually refuses to answer questions on politics during events organised by his ministry, had reporters in stitches when he said in jest, "Do not think Tongkat Ali is for one thing only".

The plant is famous for its aphrodisiac qualities but lesser known for its traditional use as a general tonic and remedy for malaria.

After delivering his official speech, Ling gave away goodies - a packet of CNI Tongkat Ali ginseng coffee, a bottle of Pere Ocean Natural mineral water and duit raya packets - to road users at the toll station, who seemed surprised to see the minister there.

At the press conference, Ling warned drivers who consume alcohol during parties to refrain from manning the wheels.

"The law permits you to drink but please do not drive. Let your wife or children drive. Make sure you also service your cars and tyres before you leave for your hometowns," he said.

Ling said 96 percent of road accidents happen outside the expressways as the roads are smaller.

Successful campaigns

However, he said, road safety campaigns carried out by the ministry have helped reduced accidents by 100 or 200 people during festive seasons.

Ling said road accidents have decreased from 6,304 (1996) to 3,802 (2001) "in an environment of increased number of vehicles".

Despite one million cars sold annually, Malaysia has been able to maintain or reduce road accidents compared with countries such as England and Japan whose automobile industries are saturated, he claimed.

About 50,000 pamphlets and compact discs were distributed to road users with "Selamat Hari Raya, Drive Safely" messages.

The event was organised by Moccis Trading Sdn Bhd, CNI Express (M) Sdn Bhd, MTD Prime Sdn Bhd and Proton Edar Sdn Bhd with the co-operation of the Transport Ministry, Traffic Police Enforcement Department and the Safety Road Council.