By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 5: The Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) has initiated its own internal review, in addition to working closely with the police and Sarawak Road Transport Department (JPJ), to determine the cause of an accident at Jalan Bintulu-Miri involving a lorry and sport utility vehicle (SUV) that claimed one life and injured three others on April 3.
In a statement, Sarawak CVLB chairman Michael Kong Feng Nian said the board will cooperate with the authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
“Should there be any wrongdoing by industry players, LPKP Sarawak will work with relevant authorities to hold them accountable,” he said.
Kong also expressed sadness when he learned about the accident and urged the public not to speculate or make assumptions regarding the cause of the accident, as it is still under investigation.
“It is crucial that we allow the investigation process to be conducted professionally and impartially, with respect for the victims and their families,” he said.
He said, based on the preliminary report from the board, the lorry was travelling from Bintulu to Miri when the driver was believed to have lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer into the opposite lane and collide with the SUV.
“In the meantime, LPKP Sarawak continues to review and strengthen its policies and guidelines concerning commercial vehicle operations, particularly long-haul and heavy-duty transportation.
“We are committed to ensuring that all licensed operators adhere strictly to safety regulations, including the use of two-driver systems for long-distance journeys and scheduled rest periods to avoid fatigue.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family of the deceased, and we wish a swift recovery to all those injured,” he said.
According to reports, the victim, identified as Derald Suggin, 36, was a lorry attendant.
The other three injured were two passengers from the SUV and the lorry driver. — DayakDaily
