Tragedy on a Rain‑Soaked Stretch of Road
A quiet Thursday afternoon turned deadly on the Pan Borneo Highway near Bukit Song when a 46‑year‑old driver was struck and killed while waiting for assistance beside his disabled Isuzu D‑Max. He had skidded off the slick, hilly roadway moments earlier and stepped onto the road shoulder to call for help. Within minutes, a Toyota Hilux driven by a 40‑year‑old local man lost grip, slid across the lane and slammed into him. Paramedics confirmed the victim died at the scene. The Hilux driver escaped injury but is now at the centre of a fatal‑crash investigation.
How the Crash Unfolded
According to Miri District Police Chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah, heavy rain had left the highway surface slippery. Initial findings suggest the Hilux aquaplaned on a bend before the driver lost control. With nowhere to go, the two‑door pickup veered left, colliding with the stranded motorist on the shoulder. The impact flung the victim several metres, causing fatal head and chest injuries. Police say no other vehicles were involved, but skid marks indicate high speed may have amplified the slide.
Police Open Fatal‑Crash File
The case now falls under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, covering causing death by reckless or dangerous driving. Investigators have taken statements from the Hilux driver and are examining both vehicles for mechanical faults. Dash‑cam footage from passing cars and CCTV feeds from nearby construction sites are also being reviewed.
Call for Eyewitnesses
Any motorists who witnessed the crash or have camera footage between 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm on the Bukit Song stretch are urged to contact Traffic Investigator Insp. Mohd Faizul Ab. Rahim at 014‑858 2582 or the Miri Traffic Office at 085‑430 479. Even small details—such as weather conditions, road debris, or the Hilux’s speed—could help piece together an accurate timeline.
Safety Lessons for All Drivers
ACP Farhan reminded Malaysians that the Bukit Song section is notorious for sudden downpours, blind curves and steep gradients. When rain hits:
- Slow Down Early – Wet tarmac halves tyre grip; braking distances double.
- Use Hazard Lights Only When Stopped – Flashers warn oncoming traffic but can mislead if used while moving.
- Stand Well Clear – If you must exit a stranded vehicle, wait behind the guardrail or on higher ground.
Traditional wisdom says “better late than never,” and it still rings true on modern highways. Patience, not haste, saves lives.
