KOTA KINABALU: Police and all relevant authorities must be given the space to carry out an investigation into the incident where a father and daughter were crushed to death after a shipping container fell on their car along Jalan Sepanggar.
Sepanggar MP Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said a comprehensive investigation must be carried out to determine the actual cause of the incident, including the safety aspects of container handling operations in the incident that occurred close to the Sepanggar Port.
He said a probe was necessary to ensure appropriate measures can be put in place to safeguard public safety and prevent similar tragedies from recurring.
“If there are elements of negligence and non-compliance involving any party, I will ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“Enough of these accidents involving heavy vehicles happening in Sepanggar,” said Mustapha, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs), in a statement on Monday (Oct 19).
He said that he was saddened to hear of the tragic accident that killed Mohd Jadi Pelbi, 53, and his daughter, Norfaieza Mohd Jadi, 24, in the incident at about 6.30pm on Sunday (Oct 18).
“I cannot imagine the pain endured by family members who lost two loved ones simultaneously in such a heartbreaking incident.
“I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the victims’ entire family,” he added.
Mustapha said he had instructed the Sepanggar Parliamentary Service Centre (Suara Sepanggar) to visit the victims’ family to identify their needs, including assisting in reviewing and managing any aid and compensation that the next of kin may be entitled to receive.
“During this difficult time, our priority is to ensure the victims’ family receives the support and assistance they deserve,” he added.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said the investigation was also focusing on whether the container was intentionally placed in the area or due to other unavoidable factors.
He said police are taking statements from witnesses to determine the actual cause of the incident, while also examining road safety aspects in the area.
“Although the container was placed at the roadside, its size and height could obstruct road users' view and pose safety risks.
“Furthermore, the process of moving the container using heavy machinery could potentially cause traffic congestion,” he told reporters after officiating the Sabah Police Contingent Sports Excellence Appreciation Ceremony at the Kota Kinabalu district police headquarters.
Jauteh said police will also hold discussions with relevant agencies, including the port management, to find solutions to the problem of containers being left along the roadside.
He said the measure is important to ensure the safety of road users and prevent similar incidents from recurring.
He said the 49-year-old trailer truck driver has been remanded to assist investigations under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Kota Kinabalu Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Shahrudin Mat Husain said preliminary investigations found that a trailer lorry had stopped in the left lane to lift a container from the road shoulder onto the trailer before the load lost balance and fell onto the victims’ vehicle as it was passing through the area.
The two victims were trapped inside the badly damaged vehicle and were only extricated by firefighters at about 9.55pm during a three hour rescue operation.
