Lorry driver nabbed after allegedly causing fatal multi-vehicle collision

JOHOR BARU: A 37-year-old lorry driver has been arrested following a collision with five vehicles that left one person dead and five others injured at KM19 of the Pasir Gudang Highway here.

Seri Alam OCPD Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the suspect is believed to have been driving under the influence of alcohol above the prescribed limit.

"The incident occurred at around 6.30pm on Saturday (Feb 12) when the suspect was driving towards Johor Baru from Pasir Gudang via the Pasir Gudang Highway.

"The lorry veered into the opposite lane and collided with five other vehicles," he said in a statement on Sunday (Feb 13).

He added that the driver of one of the other vehicles, a 21-year-old man, was pronounced dead while being treated at the Hospital Sultan Ismail Hospital.

Another victim, a 46-year-old man, was treated at the hospital's yellow (high-risk) emergency zone.

"The remaining victims suffered minor injuries and have come forward to assist investigations at the Seri Alam police station," Supt Mohd Sohaimi said, adding that investigations are still ongoing.

The case is being investigated under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, which carries a sentence of between three and 10 years' jail and a fine of between RM8,000 and RM20,000 upon conviction.

Supt Mohd Sohaimi said police do not take DUI cases lightly as they involve the safety of other road users.

"Stern action will be taken against those who are found drink-driving, as this poses a safety risk to others," he said.