Motorcyclist killed in crash, four-wheel-drive vehicle later set ablaze

PENAMPANG – A motorcyclist dies after the motorcycle he was riding was involved in a collision with a four-wheel-drive vehicle at Kilometre 14.6 of Jalan Papar-Kota Kinabalu, near Kampung Meruntum, on Tuesday night.

The incident occurred at about 11.10pm and the 25-year-old victim was pronounced dead by medical personnel at the scene.

Penampang deputy police chief Deputy Superintendent Erwansyah Abdul Basir said preliminary investigations found that the crash was believed to have occurred when the victim's motorcycle struck the rear of the four-wheel-drive vehicle.

“The victim was thrown onto the right lane of the road and suffered severe injuries before being confirmed dead at the scene, while the driver and passenger were unhurt.

“However, further investigations found that the four-wheel-drive vehicle, which had been abandoned by its driver about 1.5 kilometres from the crash site, was set on fire by unknown individuals after the incident,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

He said the case was being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

“Members of the public who witnessed the incident or have information related to the case are urged to assist investigations by contacting the investigating officer, Inspector Saparia Ladoni, at 019-809 5133.

“The public is also advised not to share photographs of the victim or the scene out of respect for the family’s sensitivities,” he said.