A MALAYSIAN Armed Forces (ATM) soldier lost his life while three others were injured when a Proton Wira attempting to overtake another vehicle collided head-on with an army truck on Thursday evening, police confirmed.
Superintendent Ahmad Shafiki Hussin, Chief of Machang District Police, said the collision occurred at approximately 6:35 p.m. on the Kota Bharu-Kuala Krai road near Bukit Belah.
He explained that the accident involved a three-ton Hicom Handalan truck belonging to the Malaysian Armed Forces, carrying four personnel returning from Tanah Merah to Kem Desa Pahlawan in Kok Lanas.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the Proton Wira, travelling from Kota Bharu, attempted to overtake a vehicle ahead and inadvertently entered the opposite lane,” Ahmad Shafiki stated. “That lane was legally designated for the army truck. The driver of the truck was unable to avoid the collision, resulting in the impact between the two vehicles.”
The front-seat passenger of the army truck was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other three soldiers and the Proton Wira driver sustained injuries and were sent to Machang Hospital for further treatment.
The incident is currently being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving causing death.
Authorities have urged witnesses to come forward to assist with the investigation and can contact the Machang District Police Operations Room at 09-9751222 or 011-1454020.
This tragic accident highlights the dangers of reckless overtaking on major highways, particularly when military personnel are involved in routine transit operations. - December 12, 2025
