MELAKA: A 37-year-old traffic policeman has been arrested over the death of a teen motorcyclist during an operation against illegal racing.
Melaka police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Zainol Samah confirmed that the policeman with the rank of corporal was arrested at 9am on Friday (April 12) after he was summoned to the Alor Gajah police headquarters.
"We have received six reports over the incident and recorded statements from three eyewitnesses," he said, adding that the policeman also tested negative for drugs.
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DCP Zainol said he was being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death while driving, which carries a maximum imprisonment of ten years and a fine up to RM50,000.
He added that they would decide if the policeman will be remanded after further questioning.
DCP Zainol said the policeman was on standby duty at the Durian Tunggal police station on the first day of Hari Raya (April 10) when he received a complaint over loud noise caused by illegal racers. He then drove himself to the scene in a police four-wheel-drive vehicle where he collided with the victim who sustained fatal injuries.
The victim, Mohammad Khairul Basahri, suffered internal injuries as well as a broken leg and thigh in the 2.56am incident on April 10.
The 18-year-old died Thursday (April 11) morning while undergoing treatment at Melaka Hospital.
A 40-second video went viral on social media showing the collision between the police vehicle and the teen's motorcycle.
Melaka police said the vehicle's flashing lights and siren were activated to warn the group of motorcyclists there.
On seeing the police, gathered motorcyclists quickly fled the scene.
However, the victim allegedly collided head-on with the police vehicle making a right turn at a junction.
