Cop detained to assist in probe over death of m-cyclist

 

Malacca police today picked up the driver of the police vehicle that was involved in a crash with a motorcyclist at Jalan Gangsa-Kesang, Durian Tunggal, Malacca, in the early hours on the first day of Syawal (April 10).

Malacca police chief Zainol Samah said the 37-year-old corporal from the Durian Tunggal police station was arrested by the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division of the Alor Gajah district police headquarters (IPD) at around 9am.

He said the arrest of the policeman was to assist in investigations relating to the accident that caused the death of an 18-year-old motorcyclist.

“The police are still in the process of recording the officer’s statement after he was held this morning and preliminary information found that at the time of the incident, the suspect was driving the vehicle alone before other members of the force arrived at the scene of the incident.

“The suspect began serving the force in 2006 and has been at Alor Gajah IPD since November 2021. At the time of the incident, he was conducting patrols to prevent illegal racing based on complaints from the public,” he said in a statement today.

Zainol added that to date, the police have received six reports related to the accident, in addition to three statements by witnesses and members of the victim’s family.

He said a preliminary urine screening test on the police officer involved was also conducted and the suspect was found to be free of drug abuse.

Zainol said the case was being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for dangerous driving to the point of causing death and the police will ensure investigations are carried out transparently and professionally.

“People with information on the accident are asked to contact the head of the Investigation and Traffic Enforcement Division of IPD Alor Gajah at 06-5563222 to assist with investigations,” he said.

Yesterday, the media reported that a motorcyclist died while receiving treatment at Melaka Hospital, after it was believed to have crashed into a police vehicle that was carrying out Op Cegah Lumba Haram in Jalan Gangsa-Kesang, Durian Tunggal on Wednesday.

The victim, Mohammad Khairul Basahri, 18, who was riding a Yamaha 135 LC motorcycle, died from serious internal injuries besides a broken leg and thigh in the 2.56am incident.

- Bernama