KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - The most effective way to encourage road courtesy is through education, says Deputy Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Teng Boon Soon.

"Everybody knows that they should be polite and considerate on the road but there is a need to remind them from time to time," he said.

"That is why advocating courtesy among drivers is an ongoing exercise for the ministry," Teng told reporters yesterday after launching the ministry's Chinese New Year 2009 Road Courtesy Campaign. He said the ministry would carry out this campaign through a variety of programmes.

He also handed out 2,000 goodie bags to motorists at the Jalan Duta toll plaza yesterday.

The campaign, supported by PLUS Expressway Sdn Bhd and The Star, will see bunting and banners reminding motorists to be careful on the road at 23 locations along the North-South Expressway for two weeks during the Chinese New Year period.

Meanwhile, 10,000 copies of The Star and an equal number of Proviton 6's multivitamin packs were given out to motorists at the Sungai Besi and Jalan Duta toll plazas yesterday morning.

The freebies, courtesy of Chemical Company of Malaysia Berhad (CCM), were distributed by their staff members to motorists travelling to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year celebrations.

"This is the second time we are giving freebies at toll plazas," said CCM Pharmaceuticals brand manager (OTC) marketing Shaharaza Alwi, adding that the first was during the Hari Raya celebrations two years ago.

The Star/Asia News Network