SARIKEI – A 72-year-old man suffered injuries in a collision at Rumah Dessie, Jalan Meradong Skim B, on Friday morning. The accident involved a motorcycle and a car, leaving the rider with wounds to his legs and arms.
The Sarikei District Operations Control Centre (PKOD) logged an emergency call at 9.50 am. It came from the hospital about the crash. The MyASPA-O Delta Squad from the Malaysian Civil Defence Force Sarikei branch (APM Sarikei) rushed to the scene, reaching it by 10.14 am.
Early reports suggest the victim, Ligong Anak Sandai, got struck from behind on his bike. A bystander saw the incident and dialled the NG999 line for quick help.
APM Sarikei personnel assessed Ligong on arrival. They provided first aid before rushing him to hospital for advanced care. Four team members and an ambulance handled the response, wrapping up by 10.56 am.
Jalan Meradong Skim B serves rural homes in the Sarikei division. Such roads mix local traffic with farm vehicles, raising accident risks. Rear-end collisions often stem from tailgating or sudden stops.
Sarikei, in central Sarawak, covers 1,600 square kilometres with around 60,000 residents. Road safety challenges persist on its winding paths, especially for two-wheelers. Motorcycles dominate here due to affordability and terrain.
APM plays a key rescue role across Malaysia. Founded in 1963, it responds to disasters, fires, and crashes. The MyASPA-O Delta Squad uses apps for swift coordination, cutting response times.
NG999, launched nationwide, streamlines emergencies. Dialling it connects to police, health, or fire services automatically. Public awareness has surged, aiding faster interventions like this one.
The victim, a senior from the area, highlights vulnerability among older riders. Stats show those over 65 face higher injury rates in crashes, often from reduced reflexes or bike handling.
Sarawak logged over 12,000 road incidents last year, per police data. Rear impacts account for 20 per cent, frequently injuring limbs. Helmets and signals could prevent many.
Local leaders urge caution. “The Sarikei APM advises the public to always be careful and obey road rules to avoid unwanted incidents,” officials stated.
Post-crash care matters too. Hospitals in Sarikei treat routine traumas, but severe cases go to Sibu. Recovery for Ligong will involve physio for his limbs.
The community watches closely. Neighbours in Rumah Dessie, a longhouse cluster, rely on this road daily. Fixes like signs or repairs could curb repeats.
Broader efforts include campaigns. The Sarawak roads authority pushes awareness drives during holidays. Enforcement targets speeding and no-helmets.
APM Sarikei wraps mottos around services: “ALWAYS WITH CIVIL DEFENCE” and “APM FOREVER”. Reach them at 084-651300 or their PKOD base.
This event reminds drivers to keep distance. Safe spacing averts 50 per cent of rear smashes, experts note. Locals hope for calmer roads ahead.
Investigations continue. No charges yet, but details may emerge. For now, Ligong recovers, thanks to prompt aid.
