Penang Tragedy Puts Trailer Company’s Licence in Jeopardy, Warns Loke

Featured

A trailer company is facing the possibility of having its licence suspended following a fatal accident in Penang, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke. The incident involved a container from a trailer that toppled onto a car, resulting in the death of the driver, Ms Lee Zi Rou, and seriously injuring a 25-year-old man, Tan Chou Theng.

The accident occurred when the driver of the trailer allegedly lost control of his vehicle while attempting a sharp left turn at a traffic light junction on Jalan Bukit Tengah. The container crashed into Ms Lee’s car and also hit another vehicle, leading to a five-vehicle collision.

Ms Lee succumbed to her injuries, and her mother, Ms Lim, recounted the heartbreaking final moments. Ms Lim had advised her daughters to only text her for non-urgent matters, and when Ms Lee called, she felt a sense of fear. After subsequent calls went unanswered, Ms Lim asked her other daughter to drive through the route Ms Lee typically took to work. It was then that she received the devastating news from a bystander that her daughter had been crushed in the accident.

The community has expressed deep condolences and outrage over the incident. Netizens have called for stringent action against the driver, with some advocating for the fullest extent of the law and compensation for the victim’s family. Transport Minister Anthony Loke has also weighed in, stating that the operating licence of the trailer company could be suspended if it is found non-compliant with safety regulations.

“The Land Public Transport Agency, together with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will conduct an audit of the company. If they fail or are found non-compliant with safety measures, their license will be suspended,” Loke said. He emphasized that this was a “tragic and regrettable event that should never have occurred and action must be taken.”

Loke’s ministry is committed to a comprehensive investigation to determine whether the cause of the accident was related to a technical issue, a defective container, or negligence in securing it. The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research has been directed to conduct an immediate and thorough inquiry.

The 51-year-old driver has been remanded for four days to aid investigations under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years, a fine of up to RM50,000, and a driving licence disqualification for a period of 10 to 20 years.

Loke also expressed disappointment over the driver’s insensitive behaviour, as he made a peace sign to the media during his court appearance. Loke stated that this gesture demonstrated a lack of sympathy for the victim’s family who are still grieving. Assistant Commissioner Helmi Aris, the Seberang Perai Tengah District Police Chief, confirmed that urine screening tests on the driver have returned negative for alcohol.

The incident has sparked widespread concern over road safety and the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Sources:

Look here 👇

Like our Facebook Page 👉 PenangToday
Join our Facebook Group 👉 PenangToday Community
Follow our Instagram 👉 @penangtoday

Related

Latest

Popular