KOTA KINABALU – Road users in Sabah who had their vehicles damaged or sustained injuries from road accidents caused by poor road conditions can file for claims in court.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister cum Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said such claims are allowed on a case-by-case basis through the court.
“They have to make a report that includes sufficient evidence to go through the court process,” he told reporters here yesterday.
Road users have uploaded pictures on social media of burst tyres and damaged vehicle parts while venting their anger towards ongoing roadworks and unrepaired potholes in state roads.
In a recent court case, the Public Works Department was ordered to pay a motorcyclist RM5,000 as compensation for the injuries and damages he incurred during a night drive home in Sipitang, a southwestern district from here.
The motorcyclist had fallen from his vehicle after missing a detour sign for an under-construction road, resulting in injuries to his right arm, leg and hip.
The Sabah Magistrates’ Court held the Public Works Department responsible for the accident last week after the motorcyclist filed a compensation claim in November 2022.
According to Sabah Law Society president Roger Chin, a venue for road users to file for compensation does exist and the legal process is self-represented litigant.
Chin was aware of the growing number of accidents or damaged vehicles caused by the poor road conditions in Sabah.
He said road users affected by this can visit Sabah and Sarawak e-Kehakiman website to learn how to make the small claim. – The Vibes, July 4, 2023
