Reckless 4WD Driver Damages 18 Vehicles on Expressway, Positive for Drugs

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Police have received 18 reports involving vehicle damage after a four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle, allegedly driven recklessly, caused a series of collisions along the North-South Motorway on Monday.

Penang Police Chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said preliminary investigations revealed that 18 vehicles were damaged after being struck by a 4WD driven by a 29-year-old man.

The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and has been remanded for four days to assist with investigations.

“The investigation is ongoing, and the suspect is being probed under Section 12(3) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving under the influence of drugs and causing an accident,” Azizee said.

According to police, the suspect was initially detained by members of the public on the Butterworth-Kulim Motorway near Seberang Jaya before being handed over to authorities.

Seberang Perai Tengah Police Chief Nik Aminuddin Raja Abdullah said police received the first report at approximately 10.05am. Initial findings indicate that the suspect drove recklessly and dangerously from Sungai Dua towards Penang Island, colliding with multiple vehicles along the route.

A urine screening test later confirmed that the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine and morphine. Police records also show that he has 15 previous drug-related offences and two criminal records.

Videos and images of the incident have since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread public attention and concern over road safety.

Police have urged witnesses or individuals with additional information regarding the incident to come forward as investigations continue.

Source: Bernama