INITIAL investigations revealed that the 12-month-old baby killed in a four-vehicle crash at the Bukit Kajang toll plaza on Saturday was not placed in a child seat, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
“Our initial report, based on cross-checks with police, shows that the baby was not placed in a child seat at the time of the crash.
“As a result, the baby was ejected from the vehicle during the crash,” he told a press conference after officiating the launch of the Terminal Bersepadu Gombak today.
Loke stressed that his comments were not intended to blame the grieving parents but to highlight a critical safety lapse, noting that many people often complain when the ministry promotes child seat usage.
"I am not drawing conclusions, but at the very least, a child seat provides additional safety features that can save lives and protect passengers," he said.
The incident, which occurred at about 11am, involved a three-tonne lorry carrying scrap items, a Nissan X-Trail belonging to the Public Works Department (JKR), a Honda City and a Proton X70.
Police later confirmed that the lorry driver allegedly leapt out of his vehicle after claiming he experienced brake failure, before it rammed into three vehicles heading towards the toll plaza.
The 42-year-old lorry driver has since been arrested and is being investigated for reckless driving causing death.
He had previous criminal records and traffic summonses but reportedly tested negative for drugs and alcohol after the accident.
Loke described the accident as tragic and stressed that companies must take full responsibility for ensuring their vehicles are safe at all times, not just during the mandatory six-month inspections.
The minister also reminded parents about the importance of using child restraint seats, saying the incident highlighted their role in enhancing safety despite concerns about cost. – September 29, 2025
