The driver of the lorry involved in the road accident that killed Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh early morning tested positive for drugs.

Perak police chief Acryl Sani Abdullah told The Star Online that the initial screening showed traces of cannabis, but the result was not conclusive.

"The second sample has been sent to the pathologist to confirm it. The lorry driver's statement has been taken and he has been released," Acryl Sani is quoted saying.

According to Bernama , the lorry driver sustained minor injuries while two passengers, a woman aged 23 and a girl aged four, were unhurt.

"The MPV, a Toyota Alphard, carrying five passengers, including Karpal Singh, which was heading north, was believed to have lost control and hit the rear right end of the lorry which was moving slowly on the left lane," Kampar police chief Ng Kong Soon told the news agency.

He said Karpal (right) was seated in the front passenger seat while Cornelius was seated behind him.

The five-tonne lorry was carrying cement, steel and mosaic tiles, the district police chief added.

The MPV has 29 traffic speeding tickets, 15 of which are yet to be settled, he said, adding that the accident was being investigated under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Department 1987.

The injured maid and the bodies of Karpal Singh and Cornelius were taken to the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh.

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