Sabah Road Collapse: Lahad Datu–Tawau Route Restored After 50-Metre Jalan Silam Failure

KUALA LUMPUR,MAY,2026 – Access along the main route linking Lahad Datu and Tawau was disrupted after a 50-metre stretch of Jalan Silam collapsed, leaving vehicles stranded and forcing authorities to move quickly with temporary diversion works.

The incident happened on Friday evening, with reports stating that the affected section collapsed in both directions and made the road temporarily impassable. Malay Mail reported that the collapse cut off the main road connecting Lahad Datu and Tawau, while The Star cited Lahad Datu district officer Firuz Idzualdeen @ Benetty Mohd Dzul as saying there was initially no alternative route between Tawau and Lahad Datu.

According to Firuz, the district Public Works Department was contacted immediately to construct a temporary diversion at the affected area. He said the diversion was expected to be completed quickly, while road users were advised to exercise caution and obey instructions from security personnel and authorities at the scene.

Several photos of the damaged road also circulated on social media, showing vehicles stranded near the collapsed stretch. The Star reported that the public was advised to plan journeys earlier due to slow-moving traffic following the incident.

Daily Express later reported that access along the Lahad Datu–Tawau route was restored on Friday evening after emergency repair works were completed following an embankment failure near Silam. The report said the incident occurred at CH97+000 at about 2pm and damaged approximately 50 metres of the roadway, forcing a temporary closure of the route.

Immediate action by the Public Works Department and the Works Package Contractor enabled temporary diversion and road filling works to be completed by about 6.30pm, reconnecting the route and easing congestion affecting motorists. No injuries were reported, while authorities said JKR would continue monitoring the area to ensure it remained safe for public use.

The collapse caused major disruption because the road is an important link for motorists travelling between Lahad Datu, Tawau, Kunak, Semporna, Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu. Daily Express reported that vehicles were earlier stranded in both directions due to the closure, while photos and videos of the incident spread online.

The cause of the embankment failure has not yet been determined and remains under investigation. Traffic police were also present at the scene to monitor the situation while emergency works were being carried out.

The incident has again placed attention on road safety and infrastructure resilience in Sabah, especially along major routes that serve as key connectors between districts on the state’s east coast. Road collapses not only disrupt daily travel, but can also affect logistics, emergency movement and access to essential services when no immediate alternative route is available.

For now, motorists using the Lahad Datu–Tawau route are advised to remain alert, reduce speed near the affected area and follow instructions from JKR, police and other authorities on site. Although the route has been restored through emergency works, continued monitoring will be important to ensure the temporary repairs remain safe for public use.

The latest development means the road is no longer completely cut off, but drivers should still expect possible slow traffic as authorities continue assessing the affected section near Jalan Silam.