Abdul Karim says the tragedy was traumatic for the victim’s family and fellow cyclists.
KUCHING (May 6): The recent hit-and-run accident in BDC here involving a cyclist should serve as a reminder for all road users to remain cautious and share the road responsibly, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Describing the incident as deeply unfortunate, the State Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said the tragedy, which claimed the life of a cyclist, was traumatic for the victim’s family and fellow cyclists.
“It must be a very, very sad incident to the family of the cyclist,” he told a press conference in conjunction with the Siol International Mountain Bike Challenge (SIMBC) 2026 at the Baitulmakmur II building here.
He noted that the driver involved had surrendered to police and said the matter should now be left to the authorities to investigate.
“As I mentioned the other day, I wished to see the one who drove the car surrender himself.
“He has surrendered himself there. Very good. Let the case be solved by the police,” he said.
On May 1, a 56-year-old cyclist was killed in a suspected hit-and-run at about 5.43am. He was pronounced dead at 6.30am by paramedics.
It is understood the victim was on his way to meet friends for a cycling trip towards Saradise when an unidentified vehicle struck him before fleeing the scene.
Abdul Karim also urged the public not to perceive cycling as a dangerous activity because of the incident.
“Parents, please don’t look at this incident as cycling is a dangerous sport.
“We should always encourage our children, our family, parents also, to bring your children out for cycling if you are in that fraternity or grouping now,” he said.
At the same time, he reminded cyclists to prioritise safety by ensuring their bicycles are fitted with adequate lighting, including beacon lights, even during daytime rides.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Cycling Association president and Malaysian National Cycling Federation vice-president Irawan Sudarsono said the cycling community plans to organise a “Let’s Share the Road” awareness campaign in collaboration with Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) during an upcoming Car Free Day programme.
The campaign, he said, will serve as a tribute to the late cyclist, Ken Yeo Kheng Song.
“We are going to gather all the cyclists to have a kind of fun ride to educate not only the cyclists but especially the motorists, to share the road,” he said.
Irawan said the initiative aims to raise awareness among motorists while also promoting safer riding practices among cyclists.
“It’s not a dangerous sport, it’s just that we have to get motorists to be aware and also to respect cyclists,” he said.
He added that cyclists also have a responsibility to ride safely and responsibly on public roads.
“We have to earn the respect from the motorists, and the motorists have to earn the respect from the cyclists,” he said.
