Saifuddin: FRU truck in fatal crash is roadworthy

Summary

• Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says that despite being manufactured in 1997, the FRU truck involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday was well-maintained and in proper working order.

• The lorry driver involved in the accident has been remanded for four days starting today, and is reportedly being investigated under Section 41 of the Road Transport Act 1987.

The Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) truck involved in yesterday’s devastating Perak collision that killed nine officers was mechanically sound, according to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

The New Straits Times reported Saifuddin saying that despite being manufactured in 1997, the vehicle was well-maintained and in proper working order.

The report quoted him as saying that the truck’s age should not be seen as a contributing factor to the crash.

“I must stress that even though the vehicle is relatively old (1997), its maintenance record is sound. It is still roadworthy.

“That’s why it’s too early to say whether yesterday’s incident was due to human error involving the sand truck driver or others. Let the investigation team handle that.

“However, the team is committed to improving all assets not only within the police but also across all agencies under the Home Ministry with safety as our top priority,” Saifuddin reportedly said, after visiting the family of one of the deceased officers.

Nine killed

The truck that was carrying 18 personnel from Unit 5 Sungai Senam, collided with a rock-laden lorry in Teluk Intan, killing eight at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries whilst receiving treatment at Teluk Intan Hospital.

Bernama reported that those who perished are Perumal Sugunanathan, 44, Roslan Abd Rahim, 46, Pozli Jaudin, 41, Nurit Pandak, 34, Amiruddin Zabri, 38, Hilmi Azlan, 38, Akmal Muhamad, 35, Damarrulan Abdul Latif, 33 and Akmal Wafi Annuar, 28.

The national news agency also reported that the 45-year-old lorry driver involved in the accident has been remanded for four days, starting today.

Hilir Perak police chief Bakri Zainal Abidin confirmed that magistrate Naidatul Athirah Azman issued the remand order against the suspect.

Police are reportedly investigating the driver under Section 41 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.

The offence carries a punishment of imprisonment for a term of not less than two years and not more than 10 years, alongside a fine of up to RM50,000.

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