KOTA KINABALU: The site where a father and daughter were crushed to death by a falling shipping container is completely unsuitable for heavy container transfers and other heavy operations, the Sabah Road Transport Department (JPJ) warned.
Director Datuk Mohd Harris Ali said an ad hoc safety audit was conducted following Sunday’s fatal crash to inspect road conditions and assess operational risks.
“Due to the limited space, the site cannot accommodate crane operations or container transfers,” he said, stressing that such activities must only take place at authorised ports or designated container depots.
Mohd Harris added that inspectors discovered numerous hauliers illegally stacking containers along road shoulders and over drainage structures, posing severe risks to motorists and infrastructure.
During the operation, JPJ penalised 65 commercial vehicles and issued 109 summonses for offences primarily involving illegal parking, dangerous roadside stopping and traffic obstruction.
Mohd Harris warned that offenders face fines between RM1,000 and RM5,000, up to five years in prison, or both, under Section 48(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Highlighting a surge in traffic violations, he revealed that enforcement notices in Sepanggar rose from 397 in 2025 to 486 as of October this year.
He emphasised the pressing need for dedicated staging grounds, safe parking areas and proper transfer facilities for heavy commercial vehicles.
“We will raise these infrastructure gaps directly with the relevant ministries and municipal councils,” he added.
JPJ will also recommend installing speed humps, repairing broken road surfaces, enhancing street lighting and widening road shoulders along the main corridor to Sepanggar Port.
Mohd Harris reiterated that safety compliance must take precedence over operational shortcuts.
In the Oct 18 tragedy, a 53-year-old man driving home with his 24-year-old daughter was crushed when an improperly handled container toppled onto their car, instantly killing them both.
