A YOUNG engaged couple were killed in a road crash after their motorcycle was rammed by a lorry that lost control along Jalan Apas–Balung in Tawau on Sunday afternoon.
The incident occurred at about 5pm at Kilometre 22 of the road, claiming the lives of motorcycle rider Mohd Saddam Patah Lajasan, 21, and his fiancée, Siti Nurfazlia Muslimin, 18.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Tawau district police chief Assistant Commissioner Jasmin Hussin said the lorry was driven by a 33-year-old man who was transporting grocery items from Batu 3 Jalan Apas towards Balung.
According to him, the lorry is believed to have lost control after its front tyre burst while travelling along a straight stretch of road in the right lane.
“That situation caused the lorry to veer to the right side of the road and crash into a tree on the road divider before entering the opposite lane and colliding with the victims’ motorcycle,” he said in a media statement today.
“The lorry then dragged the motorcycle together with its riders before crashing into the front of a four-wheel-drive vehicle driven by a 61-year-old man,” he added.
Jasmin said the lorry driver sustained only minor injuries, while the driver of the four-wheel-drive vehicle was unhurt.
Further investigations revealed that the lorry driver did not possess a valid driving licence and has been detained to assist with the investigation.
“The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless or dangerous driving causing death,” he said. - January 1, 2026
