BUKIT MERTAJAM – A 29-year-old local man with 17 previous criminal and drug-related records was arrested after allegedly driving recklessly and causing a series of accidents involving several vehicles in Seberang Jaya on Monday morning.
The incident, which occurred at about 10.05am, created panic among road users after the suspect was seen driving dangerously along the route from Sungai Dua towards Penang. Several videos and photographs of the incident later went viral on social media, showing a Mitsubishi Triton four-wheel drive vehicle being driven erratically, including crossing a road divider and reversing on a busy roadway.
According to Seberang Perai Tengah District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Nik Aminuddin Raja Abdullah, police received information regarding a road accident involving the vehicle before officers were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Initial investigations found that the suspect had allegedly driven recklessly and crashed into multiple vehicles along the route. The dangerous actions caused concern among motorists and motorcyclists, who were forced to take evasive action to avoid being struck.
The suspect was eventually stopped by members of the public on the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE) near a petrol station in Seberang Jaya. He was later handed over to police officers who arrived at the location.
Police inspections on the suspect uncovered a crossbody bag containing two transparent plastic packets believed to contain illegal drugs. One packet contained approximately 0.75 grams of crystal-like substances suspected to be methamphetamine, while another packet contained approximately 2.38 grams of substances suspected to be ketamine.
Further investigations revealed that the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine and morphine following a urine screening test.
Assistant Commissioner Nik Aminuddin said a background check found that the suspect had an extensive criminal history, including 15 previous records related to drug offences and two criminal offence records.
The suspect has since been arrested, and investigations into the drug-related offences are being conducted under Section 12(3) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. He was scheduled to be brought before the Bukit Mertajam Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for a remand application.
At the same time, the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division of the Seberang Perai Tengah District Police Headquarters is conducting a separate investigation under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving under the influence of drugs and causing a road accident.
Police are also seeking all victims and independent witnesses who may have witnessed the incident to assist with ongoing investigations.
Members of the public with information related to the case have been urged to contact investigating officer Inspector K. Vignesh or visit the nearest police station.
Police also expressed appreciation to members of the public who helped detain the suspect, describing community cooperation as vital in maintaining public safety and ensuring swift action can be taken against offenders.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by reckless and drug-impaired driving, which continue to threaten the safety of road users across the country. Authorities have reminded motorists to remain vigilant and report dangerous driving behaviour immediately to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
