POLICE have arrested a man who was involved in a road accident that seriously injured national kayaker Siti Nurul Masyitah Elias along the Johor Bahru Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) last Saturday.
Johor Bahru (South) police chief Raub Selamat said a breathalyser test revealed that the man was over the limit for alcohol consumption.
The man also has seven outstanding traffic summonses, but no criminal records.
Siti, 22, was seriously injured when the alleged drunk driver crashed into her motorcycle at KM3.5 of the EDL.
She sustained a fractured right shoulder, hip injuries, and multiple lacerations on her legs.
"Based on preliminary investigations, the driver is believed to have swerved from the middle to the left lane abruptly, before crashing into the back of the motorcycle.
"The driver tested negative for drugs," Raub said, adding that the man in his 30s, was detained for 24 hours before he was released on police bail.
The incident is being investigated under Section 44 of the Road Transport Act 1987, for driving under the influence of alcohol and causing injury.
If convicted, the driver faces a prison term of between seven and 10 years, and a maximum fine of RM50,000.
Raub also appealed to eyewitnesses of the accident to come forward to the Johor Baru South district traffic police headquarters here or to contact investigating officer Inspector Kelly Lee Ya Yek at 014 6977122.
Siti Nurul Masyitah was a member of Malaysian Dragon Boat Kayak team that won a bronze medal at the 2023 SEA Games. – May 15, 2024.
