PENAMPANG: An 18-year-old died when her boyfriend’s motorcycle hit a lamp post on a road divider along Jalan Papar-Kota Kinabalu, near the Lok Kawi Camp, early Saturday.
The 19-year-old motorcyclist was seriously injured and taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) for treatment following the 2am incident.
According to Penampang District Police Chief Supt Sammy Newton, the girl was pronounced dead at the scene and her body was sent to the QEH’s Forensic Department for a post-mortem.
He said initial investigation showed the motorcyclist, who was coming from the direction of Kota Kinabalu and headed towards Papar, was believed to be speeding.
The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Sammy urged witnesses to come forward and assist in the investigation.
He also advised the public to be always careful when on the road and not to share any images or video clips of accidents on social media out of respect to the families of the victims.
Meanwhile, three men were arrested at a roadblock near the Petron station at Jalan Bundusan on Friday night for driving under the influence of alcohol.
They were arrested under Section 45 A(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries two years’ imprisonment and a fine of no less than RM10,000, on conviction.
The operation dubbed “Op Mabuk” led by Penampang Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Chief Insp. Jupri Usman screened a total of 25 individuals.
Sammy said 10 summonses were issued, including three for driving without a licence.
