Spot not suitable for unloading containers

Kota Kinabalu: The spot near Sepanggar Port where a father and daughter in a Toyota Avanza were crushed to death by a falling container last Sunday is unsuitable for transferring or unloading items.

“We found the road too narrow for unloading or transferring containers. Such work should be done inside the port or at container depots approved by the local authorities,” said Sabah Road Transport Department Director Datuk Mohd Harris Ali, who inspected the site on Monday.

HarrisThe tragedy happened when a trailer’s load overturned while the container was being loaded onto a semi-trailer.  The visit aimed to assess conditions at the scene, identify safety issues and review follow-up measures to prevent a repeat.

The inspection also found that some operators placed containers on road shoulders and over drains, which endangered road users and damaged road infrastructure.

The department took action against 65 vehicles and issued 109 notices in a special operation on Monday, following the incident.

Most notices were issued under Section 48(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which covers stopping or allowing a vehicle to stop on a road in a way that endangers, obstructs or inconveniences other road users.

Offenders face a fine of RM1,000 to RM5,000, jail for one to five years, or both, if convicted. Enforcement figures for Jalan Sepanggar recorded notices rising from 397 in 2025 to 486 so far this year.

The inspection was part of continuous enforcement against parking and stopping offences that affect road safety and traffic flow.

Harris said they would raise with the relevant authorities the critical need for suitable depots, waiting areas for commercial vehicles and designated unloading sites.

He also called for speed breakers, road repairs, better lighting and wider road shoulders along the road to Sepanggar Port, especially for night driving.