By JAMES LEONG
SEMPORNA: A four-year-old boy died while three other individuals were seriously injured in an accident involving two vehicles on Jalan Kampung Tampi-Tampi here on January 1.
OCPD Supt. Tan Hiap Wah, said the incident, which occurred around 3.50 pm, involved a four-wheel-drive vehicle driven by a 20-year-old woman and a motorcycle ridden by a 35-year-old man.
He stated that the motorcycle was carrying three pillion riders: an adult male aged 28, and two boys aged three and four, who were also the rider’s children.
“Preliminary investigation found that the accident happened when the four-wheel-drive vehicle, which was turning into a junction on the right side, was hit by the motorcycle coming from the opposite direction.
“As a result of the collision, a four-year-old boy was confirmed dead at the scene, while the rider and the two other pillion riders sustained serious injuries,” he said in a statement.
Tan said the driver of the four-wheel-drive vehicle was unharmed.
“The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which provides for a jail sentence of not less than five years and not more than 10 years, and a fine between RM20,000 and RM50,000 upon conviction.
“Members of the public with information related to the incident are urged to come forward to assist the investigation by contacting the Semporna District Police Headquarters Traffic Investigation Officer, Inspector Hemkkumar Ayathuray at 012-365 0021, Semporna Police Station at 089-782 020, or any nearby police station,” he said.
Meanwhile, a young couple was killed in a collision involving a lorry, a motorcycle, and a pickup truck at KM 22, Jalan Apas Balung in Tawau on Dec 31.
The incident occurred around 5.00 pm when the lorry, travelling from Batu 3 to Balung, reportedly suffered a burst tyre. The driver lost control, crossed into the opposite lane, and collided with an oncoming motorcycle. The 21-year-old rider and his 18-year-old fiancée were pronounced dead at the scene.
The lorry driver, 33, sustained minor injuries. The pickup driver was unharmed.
Police investigations revealed the lorry driver did not possess a valid license and he has been arrested. The case is being probed under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless driving.
Tawau OCPD ACP Jasmin Hussin, urged all motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and warned employers to only hire licensed drivers.
In Lahad Datu, a semi-concrete house was destroyed in a fire at Kampung Cina, Jalan Bakawali, on Thursday afternoon.
Lahad Datu firemen received an emergency call at 4.35 pm and arrived at the scene within three minutes, as the location was only two kilometres from the station.
Operations Commander, PBK I Mohd Suait Mohammad, reported that the 35 by 50-foot house was already 90% destroyed upon the firefighters’ arrival.
Firefighting operations commenced immediately using two water jets from the fire engine, supplemented by an open water source and a nearby fire hydrant. The blaze was brought under control by 4.52 pm.
No casualties were reported. The operation concluded at 6:54 PM after authorities confirmed no further hazards remained at the site.
The operation involved seven personnel from the Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Station, led by Senior Operations Commander, Sumsoa Rashid. They were assisted by two policemen and two Sabah Electricity personnel.
Scene of the accident at KM 22, Jalan Apas Balung in Tawau on Dec 31.
The razed house in Kampung Cina, Lahad Datu on Thursday.
