A Malaysian lorry driver who helped prevent a major tragedy near the Menora Tunnel has been recognised for his bravery after his quick thinking saved 21 people on board a bus.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke shared that Wong Tuck Meng was honoured by the Malaysian Road Safety Council (MKJR) after the incident, which happened on 15 June near Ipoh.
According to Loke, the bus was carrying 21 passengers and was travelling downhill when it lost control.
Wong, who was in front of the bus, acted quickly by using his lorry to help stop the vehicle, preventing what could have been a serious tragedy on the road.
During the Dewan Rakyat sitting, Loke also thanked Wong on behalf of Parliament, calling him a “wira negara” for helping save lives.
Wong later received a certificate of appreciation and a RM10,000 token of appreciation from MKJR at Parliament.
The bus driver involved in the incident was also invited to the ceremony.
Loke said what stood out was not only Wong’s courage, but also how calm and alert he was during the emergency.
Wong shared that one habit he practises as a driver is to stop and rest whenever he feels tired. Because he was not driving in a sleepy or panicked state that day, he was able to think clearly, control his lorry properly, and react quickly when the bus lost control.
Loke said this was an important reminder for all drivers, as being well-rested and alert on the road can make a huge difference during an emergency.
The bus driver, Ahmad Yasin Ab. Malek, also expressed his gratitude to Wong, saying the situation could have been much worse if Wong had not been there at the right time.
Many Malaysians also praised both drivers for their quick thinking during the incident.
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