BATANG KALI: A tanker lorry driver, believed to be under the influence of drugs, crashed into a car before his heavy vehicle collided with another lorry coming from the opposite direction in an incident at KM39, Jalan Kuala Lumpur–Ipoh on Friday (May 2), Sinar Harian reports.
Acting Hulu Selangor OCPD Deputy Supt Mohd Asri Mohd Yunus, told the Malay language daily that the incident, which occurred at around 4:35pm, involved three vehicles — a car, a trailer, and the tanker driven by the 57-year-old suspect.
"The accident happened when a car driven by a local woman from Selayang to Batang Kali was rear-ended by the tanker.
"After hitting the car, the tanker lost control and veered into the opposite lane, sideswiping a trailer coming from the opposite direction," he said in a statement on Saturday (May 3).
He added that a urine test revealed the tanker driver was positive for methamphetamine.
"The suspect, a local man, has been detained for further investigation, and all individuals involved in the accident were unharmed.
"Further checks revealed the suspect has a criminial record, with five prior drug offences and 32 traffic violations," he said.
DSP Mohd Asri reminded employers to conduct background checks on individuals before hiring them, especially for positions involving the driving of heavy vehicles.
"The case is being investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
"Those with information related to the incident are urged to come forward to assist in the investigation," he said.
