Land Cruiser goes on joyride through Sandakan town, in reverse

SANDAKAN – The driver of a large SUV shocked people here when he decided to steer the vehicle to his destination in reverse after finding out that its gearbox was not working.

His action only led him to be hauled up and investigated by the police for alleged reckless driving.

Viral video clips featuring the Toyota Land Cruiser being driven backwards at Bandar Kim Fung Mile 4 yesterday left locals wondering what the driver was up to.  

Upon further scrunity, the Sandakan Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Unit found that the driver had to drive in such a manner due to a faulty gearbox.  

Sandakan district police chief Mohd Azhar Hamin confirmed the incident in a statement today.

Viral video clips featuring the Toyota Land Cruiser being driven backwards at Bandar Kim Fung Mile 4, Sandakan yesterday left locals wondering what the driver was up to.

Read more here https://t.co/mJzSj9q3sQ pic.twitter.com/1lfmj0Z6wg

— TheVibes.com (@thevibesnews) July 26, 2021

He said that the suspect, a 44-year-old man, will be investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 197 for reckless driving.

He faces a maximum prison term of five years and a fine of between RM5,000 and RM15,000 if he is convicted of the offence for the first time. 

If he has a prior record of the same offence, he is liable to be jailed for up to 10 years and fined between RM10,000 and RM20,000.

Azhar advised the public not to behave that way when faced with gearbox problems, and instead call for a tow truck for the safety of other road users.  

In clips that went viral yesterday, the white Land Cruiser was seen moving in reverse on the road at the same speed as other vehicles.  

It was seen moving from Sandakan town to Bandar Kim Fung Mile 4 in one video and from Bandar Kim Fung to Mile 6 in another video.

Downtown landmark set on fire

In another development, officers from the Sandakan Police Headquarters’ Crime Investigation Department  arrested a couple of teenagers, a boy and girl aged 14 and 13, respectively, over their alleged involvement in the burning of a landmark in Sandakan town. 

The arrests were made after a short video showed a fire at the iconic “I Love Sandakan” structure at Harbour Square downtown.  

“Both suspects have been arrested for burning the structure on July 21. They will be remanded until August 6, 2021,” Azhar said.

The case is being investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code, which deals with mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damages to the amount of RM50 or more. It provides for a maximum of 14 years’ imprisonment and a fine upon conviction.  

Azhar advised parents and guardians in the district to monitor their children’s movements to avoid them becoming involved in crime.

Fortunately, the landmark was not destroyed by the incident, but it now sports minor burn marks. – The Vibes, July 26, 2021