Woman driver in fatal Baling crash high on drugs

BALING: The woman driver whose pick-up truck rammed into a car, killing a senior cop and his wife here, was said to be high on drugs at the time of the incident.

An initial urine test came back positive for methamphetamine.

Checks also showed that the 37-year-old committed several traffic offences, including one for an accident in 2015, two for speeding and one each for beating the traffic light and driving with an expired licence.

Police arrested her following the fatal 7am accident near Kampung Teluk Teduri here on Tuesday.

Baling narcotics department chief Asst Supt Mohd Noor Mat Yaub, 38, and his pregnant wife Suriya Abdul Rahman, 37, died on the spot. Four of their children, aged between six and 11, were injured.

Baling police chief Supt Shariffuddin Yusof said police were investigating the case under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act for reckless driving and causing death.

He said they had obtained a four-day remand order to question the woman over suspicion of drug abuse.

Facing the music: The woman driver being led out of the court in Baling after she was remanded for four days.

 

The woman, who is a vegetable wholesaler, was brought to the court at about 8.30am yesterday for the proceeding before being taken away.

Investigations showed that the car driven by ASP Mohd Noor was hit from behind by the pick-up before another car from the opposite lane rammed into it.

The couple were sending their four children to SK Teluk Teduri when the incident occurred. Their fifth and youngest child had been dropped off at a nursery earlier.

Two of the injured children are now under the care of their maternal grandmother.

The driver of the other car, Mohamad Ilyas Abd Razak, 32, from Kuala Ketil, was warded for injuries at the Baling Hospital before he was discharged yesterday.

ASP Mohd Noor and Suriya were buried in their hometown in Kampung Buluh, Tanah Merah, Kelantan.

His sister, Norzi Mat Yaub, 33, said the family had not decided on who would look after the children. “We are more concerned about their health.

“I last met my brother on Friday when he visited his new house in Kampung Banggol Judah in Machang. At that time, he held a small reception for his younger brother before leaving for Kedah,” Norzi said, adding that her brother was happy with his new house.

She said the family accepted the loss and would focus on giving the best for the five children.

In a statement, the Kedah Education Department said it would help the children continue their studies.