Transport minister orders probe into company after driver in fatal crash tested positive for drugs, as police continue their investigation
JOHOR BAHRU: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) have been ordered to immediately audit and investigate the trailer company involved in a recent fatal crash in Segamat.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said firm action must be taken against the company for failing to monitor its driver, who tested positive for methamphetamine.
“I hope the police will complete their investigation as soon as possible and charge the driver in court without delay,” Loke said in a Facebook post.
He added that he was confident the Attorney General would pursue a firm prosecution commensurate with the offence.
Loke visited the victims’ families at Hospital Segamat, where two victims remain hospitalised.
One of the hospitalised victims is in critical condition in the intensive care unit.
Loke described the incident as another deeply tragic accident caused by a lorry driver’s drug abuse.
He acknowledged that most lorry drivers are professionals who carry out their duties with discipline.
However, he said a small minority are still involved in drug misuse.
He urged all drivers to prioritise safety and to refrain from taking risks that could endanger lives.
Earlier, Loke met the victims’ parents and extended a personal contribution to help cover medical expenses.
The accident occurred at 3.45 pm on April 2 at the Taman Golden Hill junction in Gemas Baharu.
The trailer driver reportedly crashed into the rear of a van carrying a family of five.
The van then skidded into the opposite lane and was hit by a 10-tonne lorry.
Three people were killed, including a husband and wife.
The 28-year-old trailer driver has been remanded for four days by the Segamat Magistrate’s Court.
