PETALING JAYA: Well-known Islamic preacher Ustaz Wadi Annuar was among five people injured in a three-vehicle collision on the East-West Highway early Friday morning (Oct 23).
The incident occurred at approximately 2.40am, involving a Perodua Myvi, a Toyota Vellfire multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), and a Perodua Bezza.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad stated that preliminary investigations indicated the Perodua Myvi had skidded into a roadside drain.
A 25-year-old male front passenger became trapped in the wreckage, while the 24-year-old male driver suffered serious injuries. Another 24-year-old male sitting in the rear of the Myvi sustained minor injuries.
Ustaz Wadi was travelling as a rear-seat passenger in the Toyota Vellfire from Sungai Petani, Kedah, to Terengganu to attend an event. Of the four occupants in the Vellfire, two were injured, including the preacher, while the other two escaped unhurt. All three occupants of the Perodua Bezza were uninjured.
Members of the public managed to extricate the occupants of the MPV prior to the arrival of rescue personnel. Emergency responders from the Gerik Fire and Rescue Station dispatched 10 personnel along with a Fire Rescue Tender, an Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) unit, and a lorry, concluding the rescue operations at 4.39am.
The injured driver of the Myvi and the two victims from the MPV were conveyed to Gerik Hospital via Health Ministry ambulances and EMRS vehicles.
Gerik district police chief Supt Abdul Samad Othman confirmed the incident and identified Ustaz Wadi as one of the victims.
East-West Highway volunteer Mohd Amir Faizal Mohd Zaki, who rushed to the scene after receiving an alert, reported meeting the preacher at Gerik Hospital. He noted that Ustaz Wadi sustained rib injuries but was in stable condition and has since been discharged.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his well-wishes for the preacher’s recovery, offering prayers for strength during his treatment.
"May Ustaz recover soon and resume his service to the community by imparting knowledge and spreading Islamic teachings," the Prime Minister shared in a Facebook post. – Bernama
