Malaysia

Elderly driver arrested after fatal hit-and-run that killed police officer in Ipoh

Police have detained an 80-year-old woman in connection with a road accident that claimed the life of a police corporal, after she allegedly fled the scene and abandoned her vehicle near the crash site

Updated 8 months ago · Published on 22 Jan 2026 10:25AM

Elderly driver arrested after fatal hit-and-run that killed police officer in Ipoh
The accident claimed the life of Corporal Mohd Hafizan Othman, 33, who was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering severe head injuries - January 22, 2026

AN 80-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident that killed a police officer on Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah here on Wednesday.

Ipoh district police chief Assistant Commissioner Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said the suspect, who was driving a Perodua Myvi, was detained later the same day at the premises of the Ipoh District Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division.

He said the suspect, a retiree, was found to be uninjured at the time of her arrest.

“A urine screening test conducted on the suspect returned a negative result,” he said when contacted on Thursday.

The accident occurred at about 3.30pm, claiming the life of Corporal Mohd Hafizan Othman, 33, who was attached to the Kampung Rapat police station. He was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering severe head injuries.

At the time of the incident, the victim was riding a Yamaha Y16ZR motorcycle and was on his way to begin his duty shift scheduled from 4pm to 11pm.

Initial police checks at the scene found that the driver had fled, leaving the car abandoned near the crash location.

Providing further details, Abang Zainal Abidin said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect’s vehicle was travelling from Jalan Lengkok Harimau before making a right turn into the opposing lane at a prohibited area.

He said the manoeuvre caused a collision with the victim’s motorcycle, which was proceeding straight along the road.

“The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.

“Both vehicles involved have also been seized for further inspection at PUSPAKOM,” he said. - January 22, 2026

Spotlight

Malaysia

Haze: Schools in Johor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan to close tomorrow

Malaysia

Tun Mahathir’s health improves, but not ready to leave hospital

Malaysia

LPT3 row puts Kelantan’s infrastructure priorities under scrutiny

Malaysia

Terengganu royal family member sues two banks over RM1.99m missing from savings

Malaysia

Irene Sofiya murder probe referred to Johor prosecutors for review

Malaysia

Teacher denies negligence charges over fatal school SUV crash in Kota Bharu

Malaysia

Sulaiman Md Ali opts out of Melaka polls, will not defend Lendu

You may be interested

Malaysia

LPT3 row puts Kelantan’s infrastructure priorities under scrutiny

Malaysia

Zara Qairina’s mother: No doctors recorded injuries consistent with being beaten

Malaysia

Singapore solely responsible for Linggiu Dam safety, PETRA Dep Minister says

Malaysia

Haze: Schools in Johor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan to close tomorrow

Malaysia

Minimum wage, Myanmar refugee registration and Gaza crisis on Dewan Rakyat agenda

Malaysia

Malaysia’s K-shaped economy: Growth without shared prosperity?

Malaysia

One of five suspects arrested over helmet attack on 23-year-old in Sabah

Malaysia

Sarawak projects record RM15.09b revenue, budgets RM10.1b for development in 2027