Kota Kinabalu: Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) fined an unlicensed stall (pic) blocking the approach to the Emergency Department of Hospital Queen Elizabeth I (HQE I).
The violator is among several illegal traders worsening chronic congestion at the critical gateway.
DBKK confirmed it issued a compound fine under Hawkers and Anti-Litter By-Laws, ordered the operator to stop trading immediately, and warned against returning to the spot.
Complaints say stalls lining roads around the hospital severely narrow access lanes, slowing traffic and creating dangerous delays for ambulances rushing emergency cases.
This incident casts fresh light on a problem stretching back decades: narrow, crowded roads around HQE I hinder not just emergency vehicles but all patients, elderly people and visitors — many forced to walk far or switch to ride-hailing services just to reach the hospital.
In April, the state government pledged faster action, directing the Public Works Department to carry out a full traffic review and find lasting fixes.
Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam had announced: “We need a detailed study to identify proper long-term solutions so this vital access is never compromised again.”
