KOTA KINABALU: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sabah has urged the government to consider building a flyover from Lintas Road to the entrance of Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) to prevent railway accidents.
Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament Jimmy Wong said the move would be timely for the safety of the public following the latest train-car collision at the area on Wednesday, which claimed the life of a Hong Kong tourist.
“We recommend to the government to build a flyover from Jalan Lintas towards the entrance of KKIA in order to avoid the occurrence of more tragic incidents in the future,” he said yesterday when met at the accident site.
Eddie Lok Wing Tak, 51, was killed after the Hyundai Ascent car he and three family members were traveling in was hit by a train on June 19.
The four tourists were on their way to the airport when the car was hit by the train as it was driven over the railway track. The train was bound for Papar from Tanjung Aru then.
Also present at the crash site yesterday were Kapayan Assemblyman Dr Edwin Bosi and Sri Tanjung Assemblyman Chan Foong Hin.
Commenting on the proposal by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin to relocate the Tanjung Aru train station either to Lok Kawi or Kinarut, Wong said it is more important to address and improve the Sabah Railway Department (SRD) system.
“DAP Sabah agrees with Datuk Yahya’s proposal to relocate the railway station from its original location but we are looking to improve the SRD system.
“We hope the government will build a flyover at this location as it will not only ease traffic flow but it will also ensure safety of public and road users,” he said.