KUALA LUMPUR – The Selangor Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department has confirmed that it was the prime minister’s convoy caught on a short video where an ambulance was among the vehicles blocked for the government entourage to pass.
In a statement, department chief Azman Shariat said the decision was done because the lead vehicle in the government convoy was nearing the junction, so the traffic personnel made a decision according to Traffic Rule No. 9 LN 166/1959 of the Road Transport Act 1987.
“In the situation that was caught on video, there was a risk of an accident and danger to other road users if the four-wheel-drive vehicle and Malaysian Red Crescent ambulance were allowed to exit the junction.
“This is why the government convoy that had police outriders on the main road was given priority so as to avoid any accidents based on the personnel’s initial assessment.”
He added that as soon as the government convoy passed the junction, the ambulance was given priority to exit.
He also confirmed that the prime minister’s convoy was headed to check on cleaning efforts at Taman Sri Nanding, Al-Mustaqqim mosque, and Batu 16 in Hulu Langat at 11.30am yesterday.
KENYATAAN MEDIA KETUA JABATAN SIASATAN DAN PENGUATKUASAAN TRAFIK SELANGOR
— Polis Diraja M'sia (@PDRMsia) December 27, 2021
Video Tular Perjalanan Ambulans Dihentikan.
Sumber: JSPT Selangor : pic.twitter.com/b1zMrZZqOB
Meanwhile in an updated statement at 2pm, the department has removed the reference to a four-wheel-drive and a Red Crescent ambulance.
Instead, it said the affected vehicles were an ambulance and a four-wheel-drive belonging to the Red Crescent.
It is understood that the ambulance did not have patients on board and the siren was turned off.
At least 19 vehicles were seen part of the convoy in Hulu Langat, believed to be paying a visit to the flood hit area. – The Vibes, December 27, 2021