Accident – Death – Obituary News :
KOTA KINABALU: In a bid to prevent hazards to road users, Sabah has been called upon to prioritize road safety and expedite road maintenance and repair works, according to a Warisan chief.
Terence Au expressed his concerns following a recent fatal accident on the Semporna – Tawau road involving a Singaporean man and a Vietnamese woman.
Highlighting State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew’s efforts to collaborate with authorities to enhance road safety, Au emphasized the urgency in addressing these issues.
“The delay in taking action is worrying, especially considering that a similar accident occurred on the same route last November, resulting in the tragic loss of a Chinese tourist’s life,” said Au.
He stressed the significance of addressing road safety issues promptly, particularly on the Semporna–Tawau route, which serves as an access road for travelers heading to the Tawau airport.
“We urge the government to implement concrete solutions to ensure the safety of all individuals traveling on Sabah’s roads,” he added.
Concerns Over Sabah Road Conditions
Au also highlighted the notorious reputation of Sabah road conditions, noting that many foreign tourists have left negative reviews online.
“It is crucial not to wait for European countries to issue travel advisories on Sabah due to dangerous roads before taking action,” Au cautioned.
Details of the Recent Accident
In the tragic incident on Monday (March 13), two individuals lost their lives, and five others sustained injuries after a tour van collided with a trailer around 3.30 pm.
Identified as Singaporean Lee Siong Huat, 60, and Vietnam national Ngo Trinh Buu Dung, 40, the deceased were among those involved in the accident.
An 11-year-old girl from Singapore and three men, including the 42-year-old tour van driver, were among the seriously injured individuals.
Efforts to Address the Issue
Semporna police chief Supt Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah confirmed the arrest of a 29-year-old lorry driver to assist in investigations following the accident.
Notably, this was not the first fatal accident involving foreign nationals along the same stretch, as a similar incident occurred last November, resulting in the death of a 56-year-old Chinese tourist.
With road safety being a pressing concern in Sabah, Au’s call for prioritizing measures to enhance safety on the state’s roads has gained prominence.
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