A man believed to be from Myanmar was arrested on the Batu Lanchang flyover in George Town after he deliberately threw himself into the path of an oncoming vehicle, police said.
Northeast district police chief ACP Abdul Rozak Muhammad said the incident occurred at about 4.16pm on 28 August and was captured on a 22-second dashcam video that later circulated widely on social media. The footage showed a vehicle swerving to avoid the man after he moved into the middle of the road on the flyover.
“Initial investigations found that the suspect is believed to have mental health issues,” The Sun reported, citing a statement from the police chief. No fatalities or injuries were reported in the incident.
ACP Abdul Rozak said the man did not possess valid travel documents. He had previously been arrested by police in connection with a separate house trespassing case at Jalan Kurau in Jelutong, Free Malaysia Today reported. The man was not hurt during the flyover incident and was rearrested by officers.
The case is being investigated under Section 448 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment for house trespassing, and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which covers entry into Malaysia without valid documents.
The Batu Lanchang flyover connects Green Lane with the Batu Lanchang area in George Town and carries steady traffic throughout the day. The video spread quickly across WhatsApp groups and social media platforms, with many viewers expressing concern about road safety on the elevated stretch.
Several commenters noted how quickly the situation could have turned fatal for both the man and the vehicle occupants. The dashcam footage showed the car braking sharply as the man stepped into its lane.
ACP Abdul Rozak urged the public against making unfounded speculation about the video, which could cause unnecessary concern among road users. The Star confirmed the incident was verified as genuine in its fact-check report.
Police have not disclosed the man’s exact identity or age. The incident has prompted fresh calls for better mental health support for undocumented migrants in Penang. Investigations are ongoing.
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