Kota Kinabalu: The recent train accident that claimed the lives of two people could have been avoided if the Railway Department had been proactive in its maintenance programme, said PBRS President Tan Sri Joseph Kurup. In a statement, Friday, he urged the relevant authorities including the Infrastructure Development Ministry to thoroughly inspect all railway tracks in the State immediately before trains are allowed to resume operations.
"If we know that some tracks are very near the river, we must pre-empt disaster and take precautionary measures to avoid accidents. I dread to imagine if any negligence is implicated in the accident," he said.
"The State Government cannot compromise on the safety of the passengers and cargo, hence holistic measures must be taken to avert future disasters," added Kurup.
In Wednesday's accident, a train from Tenom carrying 41 passengers bound for Beaufort, derailed and plunged into the Padas river killing a woman Taminah Sikin, 50, and an Indonesian man identified as Sukiman Misman, 56.
Meanwhile, Tukiman's daughter Salmia, 25, said she could not believe her ears when informed about the death of her father in the train tragedy.
Fourth from seven siblings, she said her father's death was fated, while stressing that the family must remain intact.
Juninah Jaini, 16, assured she would continue with her quest for education pursuits, a promise she made to her mother Taminah.
According to her, the last time she met her mother was two weeks ago.
