KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Road Transport Department (JPJ) has stressed that the area where two people died after being crushed by a container last Sunday was too narrow and unsuitable for container transfer activities.
Sabah JPJ director, Datuk Mohd Harris Ali, said that container loading and unloading activities should be carried out within the Sepanggar Port area or container depot that has received approval from the Local Authority (PBT).
He said that observations also found that a number of entrepreneurs were placing containers on the roadside, including on top of drains.
“This action could threaten the safety of road users and could cause damage to infrastructure.
“This situation needs to be given serious attention to ensure that container transportation and loading activities do not endanger other road users,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Mohd Harris said that following the incident, Sabah JPJ conducted a special operation on October 19, taking action against 65 vehicles and issuing 109 notices for various offences.
He said the highest offence involves Section 48(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which is stopping or allowing a vehicle to stop on the road in a condition that could endanger, obstruct or inconvenience other road users.
“If convicted, the offender can be fined between RM1,000 and RM5,000 or imprisoned between one and five years, or both,” he said.
According to him, enforcement statistics around Jalan Sepanggar show that 397 notices were issued throughout 2025, while 486 notices have been recorded for this year so far.
He said that Sabah JPJ will raise the matter with the authorities regarding the need to provide suitable storage depot areas and waiting areas for commercial vehicles.
“Proposals for installing road humps, repairing roads, upgrading lighting and expanding the shoulder of the road along the route to Sepanggar Port also need to be considered.
“This measure is important to reduce the risk of accidents, especially at night,” he said.
Earlier in the incident last Sunday, two people in a Toyota Avanza died after a container fell while passing through the road.
In the incident at 6.15pm, Mohd Jadi Pelbi, 53, and his daughter, Norfaieza Mohd Jadi, 24, were crushed by a container that reportedly lost its balance during the loading process.
Following the incident, the police have arrested the 49-year-old trailer driver to assist in investigations under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. – Fardy Bungga
Mohd Harris (second left), and the JPJ officers seen at the site of the tragic accident.
