SANDAKAN: The death of a roadside fruit seller in a logging lorry crash has raised questions over enforcement, with calls for stricter monitoring of heavy vehicles.
Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir questioned if regulations governing logging lorries were being properly enforced, particularly along busy roads shared with motorists, traders and local communities.
"Enforcement should prevent tragedies, not merely respond after lives have been lost," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 14).
His remarks followed an accident earlier in the day at Mile 27, Jalan Labuk, near Ulu Dusun here, which claimed the life of 50-year-old fruit seller Ernawati Lajaruddin.
She died while receiving treatment at the Ulu Dusun Health Clinic after a logging trailer lorry crashed into her roadside stall and a 10-tonne cargo lorry.
A 31-year-old passenger in the cargo lorry, Rosimah Nari, was seriously injured and taken to Hospital Beluran.
Sandakan OCPD Asst Comm George Abd Rakman said the accident was being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Suhaimi called for a thorough investigation into the logging lorry's mechanical condition, load, speed and compliance with road safety regulations, including any restrictions on operating hours.
"Are inspections on load limits, vehicle conditions, cargo safety and driver qualifications being carried out consistently?" he asked.
He also urged police to verify witness allegations that the lorry driver left the accident scene.
Suhaimi stressed that he was not seeking to prejudge anyone before investigations were completed, but said the public deserved answers.
"We must not allow small traders who are simply trying to earn a living to pay the ultimate price for failures that could have been prevented," he said.
He urged the police, Road Transport Department (JPJ) and other relevant authorities to ensure consistent enforcement.
"People's lives must come first. Do not wait for another tragedy before taking action," he said.
