Police chief slams ‘irresponsible’ loose talk after fatal car crash

Police chief slams ‘irresponsible’ loose talk after fatal car crash

PETALING JAYA: Kedah police have come out against “irresponsible speculation” about a collision between a car and a lorry which killed six family members near Sungai Petani today.

State police chief Adzli Abu Shah said a video of the accident, which was quickly shared on social media, led to a lot of irresponsible speculation, including members of the public privately sending him WhatsApp messages containing false information.

“Some people told me that the lorry driver was drunk and also brought up the driver’s race… here, I would like to inform that the victims are Malay and the lorry driver is also a Malay, so such actions are highly irresponsible,” said Adzli.

“Preliminary investigations also revealed that the lorry was being driven at only 60km/h, but there are also parties saying that the vehicle (Proton X50) might have had issues because it was just recently delivered, as it is still a new car,” he added.

Adzli said all aspects would be investigated, and the car would be sent to Puspakom for further inspection.

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He said the 49-year-old lorry driver’s urine screening turned out negative. However, he has a record of seven prior summonses.

“Even though he was driving within the speed limit of 60km/h and possesses a valid driving licence, the driver has been detained and will be remanded tomorrow to assist in the investigation of the case,” Adzli said.

The Proton X50 was carrying seven family members, including a member of the police, who were heading towards Sungai Petani on their way to Merbok to visit the graves of other family members.

Six people, all family members, were killed, and a three-year-old girl sustained severe injuries to her face.

The six who died in the tragic accident were identified as: Ahmad Syafiq Ahmad Shukri, 29, Ahmad Fahim Ahmad Shukri, 21, Jamaliah Sannusi, 29, Nora Mohd Husin, 55, Iskandar Affan Ibrahim, 7, and Ahmad Mikail Ahmad Syafiq, 2 months, while the injured victim is Aulia Sofea Ahmad Syafiq, 3.