TENOM TRAIN-MOTOR TROLLEY COLLISION CAUSED BY DRIVER NEGLIGENCE

KOTA KINABALU, March 11 (Bernama) -- An investigation into the March 3 train-trolley motor collision in Tenom found that the accident resulted from negligence by the Railbus RB8801 driver, who failed to carry out the required machinery checks before departure.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the investigation also revealed that the driver did not close the isolating valve on the Tenom End Driving Cab and omitted a dynamic test to ensure the brake system was fully functional.

He said the driver’s negligence caused the train’s brake system to not function fully, resulting in a collision with the trolley motor.

“After the Railbus stopped at KM133/8, the driver checked and corrected the position of the isolating valve. A subsequent test drive showed that the brake system was functioning properly, allowing the Railbus to return to Tenom Station without needing to be towed.

“An inspection by the assistant engineer immediately after the railbus arrived at the station confirmed that the brake system was fully operational,” he told reporters during a programme to distribute iftar meal packs to railway passengers here today.

According to Ewon, train services returned to normal on March 4 using the same Railbus, which has been operating without any problems since.

Further commenting on the incident, he said that the Sabah State Railway Department (JKNS) Board of Enquiry (BOE) had conducted a comprehensive investigation, reviewing the incident report, statements from Machinery Engineering Division staff, digital mobile video recorder footage on the Railbus, as well as technical inspections and simulations at the scene.

Based on the findings of the JKNS Internal Investigation Committee, Ewon said disciplinary action would be recommended against the driver in accordance with the Sabah State Public Service Regulations (PPPANS) 2008 [Code of Conduct Article 208(2)(j)] for negligence in performing his duties.

He also said that JKNS will strengthen its standard operating procedures (SOPs) for train operations, maintenance and driving to prevent a recurrence of the incident.

 The Sabah Industrial, Entrepreneurship and Transport minister said the move was aimed at enhancing safety compliance, particularly among train drivers and assistant drivers on duty, to prevent any negligence in performing their duties.

“The need to tighten and improve SOPs, especially for drivers and assistant drivers, was raised in the BOE to ensure that all procedures related to train movement are carried out before operations begin,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ewon reminded residents living near railway tracks not to carry out any activities in the area to ensure their safety.

He said that under the Sabah State Railways Enactment 2017, the railway reserve area is a prohibited zone and any activities within the track area require the Minister’s approval upon the recommendation of the JKNS director.

The use of motorised trolleys built using motorcycles on railway tracks without permission is an offence and could damage the rails as well as compromise the safety of railway operations.

--BERNAMA