TAWAU, — An 18-year-old female student awaiting her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results was killed when the motorcycle she was riding with her 17-year-old brother was struck by a car on Jalan Merotai-Tawau at 4.30pm on Thursday.
She was pronounced dead at 4.08am at Tawau Hospital, on Friday.
Tawau District Police Chief, ACP Jasmin Hussin, said the brother, a vocational student, is in stable condition.
The 44-year-old driver of the sedan reportedly did not sustain any injuries. Preliminary investigations indicate the car was travelling from Tawau town towards Felda Umas, while the siblings were heading from Kg Menggaris Merotai Besar to town.
Jasmin said the driver is believed to have briefly fallen asleep (microsleep), causing the vehicle to lose control, cross into the opposite lane, and collide with the motorcycle.
He will be remanded to assist in investigations under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a fine of between RM5,000 and RM10,000 and up to 12 months jail upon conviction, for reckless or dangerous driving causing death.
Jasmin urged motorists to ensure adequate rest before driving and warned against continuing journeys while drowsy, stressing that microsleep can be extremely hazardous to all road users.