Yesterday, a viral video hit social media showing an ambulance giving way to VIP vehicles, and netizens were far from happy.
As per road protocols, other vehicles are to give way to emergency vehicles (ambulance, royals, VIPs, etc) when driving. However, this video taken by a netizen, showed an ambulance forcing to give way to a convoy of VIPs.
Nyawa boleh tunggu, VIP jalan dulu #maluapabossku pic.twitter.com/nADdOsjdVm
— Syazwan Shah #ConnectRakyat (@syzwnrose) December 26, 2021
Questioning misplaced priorities, many have since been pissed.
Saya dah di hospital lebih seminggu, video ini buat saya marah teramat sangat. Orang sakit perlu perhatian segera, nyawa bukan benda buat main2.
— Steven Sim #Bangsa (@scheekeong) December 26, 2021
Siapa vip itu & apa kecemasannya sampai ambulans pun kena tunggu konvoi dia melintas dulu?
Hentikan budaya konvoi vip di jalan raya. https://t.co/XlLT9lVr10
Only in Malaysia guyss https://t.co/SPyDH7sgt2 pic.twitter.com/v7zQuzhauT
— dianaa (@DianaLaaFea) December 26, 2021
"If you were to block an ambulance responding to an emergency (ie, when the siren and strobe lights are on), you may be looking at up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to RM2,000 under Section 53 of the Road Transport Act 1987." (UiHua, 2018) https://t.co/7QGms8pRCu
— KroniRakyat (@KroniRakyat) December 26, 2021
the fact that an ambulance HAD TO wait . I truly am lost for words. WHY DO WE STILL HAVE TO TOLERATE THIS https://t.co/uhyPuk2UW6
— sanggi (@spvp19) December 26, 2021
In Malaysia, VIPs are treated way more important than an ambulance in emergency https://t.co/LfxSnaT1Ad
— The Coffee Break (@BreakMyCoffee) December 26, 2021
im so angry at this like what the actual fuck.
— sunny (@subinpalette) December 26, 2021
for my non malaysian moots witness this
an ambulance has its siren ringing (meaning emergency) and its being stopped because some VIPs has to pass through. Only in Malaysia. https://t.co/6N9bU4TkQI
Honestly How can you sleep at night https://t.co/0gdfHcQU7j
— Aiman Afiff (@AimanAfiff) December 26, 2021
Based on reports from today, PDRM then released a statement saying that the reason priority was given to the VIP vehicles was due to traffic flow, and to avoid risking any accidents on the road.
“The Prime Minister was on his way to observe the cleaning works for the flood victims by multiple agencies in Hulu Langat."
“The lead vehicle of the convoy was nearing the intersection. It would risk an accident and endangered the other road users if priority was given to the ambulance and the 4X4 vehicle that was in front of it", said the superintendent.
