EMERGENCY lanes exist for one crucial reason: to allow ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles swift passage during life-or-death situations.
Yet a viral video has shown several vehicles allegedly clogging up this vital corridor on the North-South Expressway near Pagoh, potentially delaying critical medical care.
Did multiple vehicles actually refuse to give way to an ambulance on the emergency lane?
Verdict:
TRUE
Police have launched an investigation into a viral video showing several vehicles allegedly blocking an ambulance's path in the emergency lane of the North-South Expressway, heading north near Pagoh.
Muar District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said action was taken after the 48-second video circulated on TikTok on Wednesday (Nov 19).
"The video shows a dark blue hatchback, a black and white van, as well as several other vehicles travelling in the emergency lane, obstructing the movement of an ambulance that was on emergency duty," he said in a statement.
Initial investigations revealed that the incident occurred at approximately 2.16pm on Monday (Nov 17), when traffic was congested for nearly five kilometres due to an accident involving a tanker lorry at KM141.3.
He said that entering the emergency lane without reasonable cause and obstructing an ambulance's movement was a serious offence that could affect rescue operations and endanger lives.
"The case is being investigated under Rule 9(2) LN 166/59 for failing to give way to emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines or police," he said in a statement.
If convicted, offenders could face a fine of up to RM2,000 or imprisonment of up to six months.
He stressed that all road users must comply with the law, respect the emergency lane and give absolute priority to emergency vehicles.
"Driving awareness and discipline is not only an individual responsibility, but is vital for public safety," he said.
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