Penang illegal street race death toll climbs to four

GEORGE TOWN – The death toll from an illegal street race along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway here earlier today has now risen to four.

One more motorcyclist died of head injuries at Penang Hospital later this evening after three other street racers died at the scene of the incident.

The mishap – which is billed as the worst ever accident involving “mat rempits” (illegal racers) – also saw three other young riders hospitalised, with one in critical condition.

Penang Northeast district police chief Soffian Santong said three riders died on the spot after several others lost control of their modified motorcycles during an illegal race along the expressway between 4am and 5am today.

He said two vehicles travelling in front of the group of racers were also rammed from behind during the mass collision.

All the victims, he said, are aged between 17 and 34.

Footage of the incident, which was widely shared online, showed several fallen bikers on the busy stretch of road which was strewn with debris.

Other bikers who avoided the crash could be seen fleeing the scene.

Soffian said that police had earlier received a tip and were conducting an operation.

However, he said the accident occurred before police could carry out the raid.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act for reckless driving, which carries up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to RM50,000 upon conviction.

The dead were identified as 25-year-old Muhammad Eizreel Muhamad Roszaidi from Bayan Lepas; 22-year-old Muhammad Shazwan Hakim Mohd Abdul Sani from Pendang, Kedah; 19-year-old Ahmad Haikal Naif Ahmad Nazrul from Bayan Lepas; and Muhammad Harith Zikri Yusnizar, aged 17, from George Town.

The injured are 34-year-old Mohd Haziq Harris from Bayan Lepas; 19-year-old Muhammad Rahimi Shukor from Air Itam; and 22-year-old Muhammad Shazwan Hafiz Mohd Abdul Sani from Pendang, Kedah. – The Vibes, July 17, 2022