SARIKEI: A 68-year-old man tragically lost his life after his motorcycle collided with a car at Kilometre 460 of the Pan Borneo Highway, along the Betong–Sarikei–Meradong stretch, early this morning.
According to Sarikei District Police Chief, Superintendent Aswandy Anis, the incident occurred at approximately 9.20 am when the victim, riding from Betong towards Sarikei, reportedly shifted from the left lane to the right lane without signaling.
“This sudden lane change left the car, driven by a 75-year-old man travelling in the same direction, with no time to avoid the collision. The car struck the motorcycle on its right side,” Aswandy said in an official statement today.
The force of the impact caused severe damage to the motorcycle’s right side, while the car sustained damage to its front left portion. Despite the severity of the accident, the elderly car driver emerged unscathed.
Medical personnel from Sarikei Hospital pronounced the motorcyclist dead at the scene at 9.50 am. “The victim’s death is a grim reminder of the dangers posed by reckless or unsafe driving on our roads,” Aswandy added.
Authorities have opened an investigation under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which deals with causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.
In a public advisory, Aswandy urged all road users to remain vigilant, obey traffic laws, and take extra caution while driving. “Accidents like this are preventable if drivers and motorcyclists follow road safety rules and signal appropriately. Road vigilance can save lives,” he stressed.
Local residents expressed shock at the incident, emphasizing the need for increased awareness among senior drivers and motorcyclists along high-speed stretches of the Pan Borneo Highway.
This tragic event marks another reminder of the importance of road discipline, especially on busy routes connecting Betong, Sarikei, and Meradong. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
