How Did a 19-Year-Old Motorcyclist Die in a Crash on Jalan Apas in Tawau?

Quick answer: A 19-year-old motorcyclist died at the scene after his motorcycle collided with a car at Batu 3, Jalan Apas, in Tawau, Sabah, on Friday 16 October 2026. Police say the car was making a U-turn when the motorcycle struck its left side, and the investigation is still ongoing.

Key facts

• What: Fatal motorcycle–car crash
• Where: Batu 3, Jalan Apas, Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
• When: Friday 16 October 2026
• Reported toll: 1 killed
• Sources: Daily Express Malaysia; Tawau District Police Chief ACP Rosdi Mat Jusoh
• Status: developing — police investigation ongoing

What happened

Police are investigating a fatal accident involving a motorcycle and a car at Batu 3, Jalan Apas, in Tawau, which happened last Friday. The motorcyclist, a 19-year-old foreign national, was pronounced dead at the scene at 12.36pm.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident occurred when a car driven by a 31-year-old local woman was making a U-turn, before the motorcycle collided with the left side of the vehicle.

Tawau District Police Chief ACP Rosdi Mat Jusoh said preliminary investigations found that the 19-year-old motorcyclist did not have a valid driving licence. He added that this does not in itself determine the actual cause of the accident, in a media statement on Friday evening.

What the investigation involves

The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. Police are inspecting the vehicles, taking blood samples for toxicology analysis and tracing witnesses as part of the investigation.

The police chief urged anyone who witnessed the accident or has information that could assist the investigation to contact the investigating traffic officer, Insp Nurwati Ismail, at 010-932 6155. He also reminded road users that road safety should never be taken lightly, as negligence can result in serious injuries or loss of life.

What happens next

The investigation is still ongoing, and police have not yet announced a concluded cause. Further details — including the findings of the vehicle inspections and toxicology analysis — are expected as the inquiry continues.

Frequently asked questions

How many people died in the Tawau crash?

One person died: a 19-year-old motorcyclist, who was pronounced dead at the scene at 12.36pm.

Where did the crash happen?

At Batu 3, Jalan Apas, in Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia.

When did the crash happen?

On Friday 16 October 2026. The Daily Express reported the crash on Monday 19 October 2026.

What happened in the crash?

Preliminary police findings indicate that a car driven by a 31-year-old local woman was making a U-turn when the motorcycle collided with the left side of the vehicle.

What is the investigation covering?

Police are investigating under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. They are inspecting the vehicles, taking blood samples for toxicology analysis and tracing witnesses.