TAWAU: Five foreigners who rammed a police roadblock while attempting to flee at the Megah Industrial Zone at 8pm were arrested after a 45km high-speed chase last Wednesday.
District Police Chief ACP Jasmin Hussin said the suspects, aged between 29 and 43, included the male driver, two male passengers, and two female passengers.
“The vehicle was ordered to stop by a team from the Police Patrol Car Unit (MPV) and Motorcycle Patrol Unit (URB), who were conducting a roadblock operation.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“However, the driver defied police instructions and attempted to escape by crashing through the checkpoint, prompting our officers to pursue them,” he said.
The chase continued through several main roads including Jalan Timur, Kem Pengakap Tiku, Jalan Bunga Raya, Jalan Chong Thien Vun, and Jalan Apas, before it was eventually stopped at Batu 12, Jalan Apas.
Upon inspection, police found none of the occupants, including the driver, could produce any identification.
The driver did not possess a valid driving licence or road tax.
The case is being investigated under Section 26(2) of the Police Act 1967 for fleeing a police checkpoint and Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant in the discharge of their duties.
Investigations are also being carried out under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for unlawful entry and stay in the country without valid identification or travel documents.
The driver is also being investigated under Section 26 and Section 23 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving without a valid licence and road tax.
ACP Jasmin said none of the police personnel were injured and that the authorities view such incidents very seriously.
“We urge the public to fully cooperate with the police, especially during roadblocks,” he said.
Police apprehended all five suspects and seized their vehicle after a 45-kilometre chase.
