SANDAKAN: Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Hj Nasir has called for a thorough investigation and stronger enforcement following a fatal crash involving a logging lorry at Batu 27, Sandakan.
A woman who ran a roadside stall died at Ulu Dusun Clinic after the lorry reportedly lost control and struck a goods lorry, parked vehicles and roadside stalls. Several other people were injured and received treatment, including at Duchess of Kent Hospital.
“I wish to express my deep sorrow and extend my condolences to the family of the victim,” Suhaimi said in a statement.
“For the victim’s family, this loss of life is not merely a figure in an accident report. It means the loss of a loved one, a livelihood and a future they must now face without them.”
Suhaimi questioned how a logging lorry could be travelling during the day and called on authorities to clarify whether vehicle condition, load limits, load security and drivers’ qualifications were being checked consistently.
“We cannot wait for lives to be lost before taking firm action. Enforcement should prevent tragedies, not merely respond after they happen,” he said.
He urged the authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into the cause of the crash, including the lorry’s condition and load, its speed and road conditions. He also called for an investigation into whether operating-hour restrictions or other travel rules had been breached.
Suhaimi said reports that the driver had left the scene should be verified by police, and called for stronger inspections of logging lorries and a review of safety measures on high-risk routes.
“This is not about condemning anyone before the investigation is complete. However, when an accident claims a life, the public has the right to a clear explanation and appropriate action,” he said.
He urged the police, the Road Transport Department and other relevant authorities to ensure the investigation was conducted professionally and thoroughly.
“People’s lives must come first. Enforcement must not be sporadic, and road safety must never be taken lightly,” he said.-BNN
