THE lorry driver involved in the tragic accident that claimed the lives of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) policemen has multiple prior criminal records, including drug-related offences, said Perak police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin.
"He has six prior records, primarily for drug offences," he told reporters at the Forensic Unit of Teluk Intan Hospital today.
Initial urine tests returned negative, though further investigations were ongoing.
"The driver, who is currently in police custody, is also believed to have several outstanding traffic summonses," he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving causing death.
Noor Hisam described the incident as a profound loss not only for the FRU but for the entire police force.
"We are ensuring that all post-mortem procedures, family notifications, and funeral arrangements are carried out with the utmost respect.
"All nine fallen officers, except one from Kedah, were natives of Perak. Seven were Muslims, while the remaining two – an Orang Asli and an Indian officer – were non-Muslims.
"Funeral rites will be conducted in accordance with each individual's faith, with full honours accorded by the police," he said.
The FRU lorry carrying 18 officers was struck head-on by the trailer, believed to have suffered steering failure after the officers had completed duties related to the Chitrapournami celebrations in Hilir Perak.
The collision resulted in eight officers dying at the scene, one more later in hospital, and the trailer driver also succumbing to injuries—bringing the total death toll to ten.
Ten other officers were injured and rushed to Teluk Intan Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, witnesses said the situation at the scene was chaotic with FRU personnel jumping out of their vehicles, shouting and calling for help.
"Some were in shock, trying to rescue their colleagues and giving emergency first aid.
"I saw victims being moved to the roadside. Some were still breathing, others were seriously injured. One driver was trapped in the cab alongside his attendant," said witnesses.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has since instructed the relevant authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation into the tragic accident. - May 13, 2025
