KOTA KINABALU: A market trader was killed when his Perodua Rusa was rammed into by another car, causing it to swerve and smash into a tree along Jalan Tuaran Bypass near Kampung Darau, Manggatal this morning.
Kublaikan Abdul Taif, 41, died on-the-spot due to chest and head injuries in the 4.15am incident.
There were two passengers in the Perodua Rusa – Kublaikan’s 9-year-old son, who sustained minor injuries; and a 55-year-old fellow market trader, who suffered a broken hip and thighs.
The 25-year-old driver of the other car, a Honda Civic, sustained minor injuries. He is suspected of having been driving under the influence of alcohol.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner M Chandra said initial investigation found that Kublaikan was travelling from Kampung Warisan to Tuaran to sell his produce at the market when the Honda Civic rear-ended the Perodua Rusa.
“When the car hit a tree, the victim and the two passengers were thrown out of the car on impact.
“Preliminary investigation points to the Honda Civic driver’s negligence and the case is being investigated under section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs),” Chandra added.