Cover image via Jamawi Jaafar (Facebook)
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Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor will be giving six new motorcycles to the youths in Kampung Pangi who used their bikes to help stop a moving train after its brakes failed
According to The Star, Melalap assemblyman Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the chief minister's chief political secretary Azrul Ibrahim informed him that Hajiji had given immediate approval for the contribution.
Jamawi said the gesture reflects the state government's appreciation for the six quick-thinking youths whose motorcycle trolleys were destroyed after they placed them on the railway tracks to help slow down the runaway train on Tuesday, 3 March.
"If not for the six trolley motorcycles placed on the track, a worse tragedy could have occurred, as the train's speed at that time was uncontrollable.
"On behalf of these youths, I extend my gratitude and appreciation to the Chief Minister for this contribution," he said in a statement yesterday, 4 March.
Jamawi described the youths and the train driver as "unsung heroes" who acted bravely during the incident
He said the driver remained calm and did not panic when the train's brakes failed along the hilly tracks in Tenom.
"The placement of the six motorcycles on the track helped slow down the train before the driver managed to regain full control," he said.
In Kampung Pangi, villagers modify their motorcycles with rail wheels and trolleys so the vehicles can run on the railway tracks, and are commonly called motorcycle trolleys.
Jamawi also posted photos of the damaged motorcycle trolleys that were placed on the tracks.
The train was carrying about 12 passengers, mostly teachers from SK Pangi, who were travelling to Tenom town when the incident occurred
Fortunately, all passengers were reported safe, although they were badly shaken after the train eventually came to a stop near the Kampung Pangi rail station area.
Earlier, Jamawi had shared a 31-second video recorded by a passenger showing the tense moments onboard, with teachers seen bracing themselves between seats and praying for their safety.
The Sabah State Railway Department has since been urged to conduct a full investigation into the incident.
