Drug-positive driver with 15 prior drug convictions arrested after multi-vehicle crash in Malaysia
A 29-year-old driver with 15 prior drug convictions was arrested after allegedly driving recklessly, crashing into several vehicles and being detained by members of the public in Penang. Police said he tested positive for methamphetamine and morphine.
- A 29-year-old driver was arrested after allegedly crashing into several vehicles while driving recklessly in Penang.
- Police said he tested positive for methamphetamine and morphine and has 15 prior drug convictions.
- Members of the public detained the suspect before handing him over to police.
MALAYSIA: A 29-year-old man was arrested after allegedly driving recklessly and crashing into several vehicles in Penang before being detained by members of the public, police said on 8 June.
According to Seberang Perai Tengah district police chief Assistant Commissioner Nik Aminuddin Raja Abdullah, officers received a report at 10.05 am regarding a road accident involving a Mitsubishi Triton on the North-South Expressway.
Initial investigations found that the suspect was believed to have been driving dangerously from Sungai Dua towards Penang, colliding with multiple vehicles along the route.
Public intervenes to stop suspect
Police said the suspect was eventually stopped and detained by members of the public on the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway near a petrol station in Seberang Jaya.
He was subsequently handed over to police officers who arrived at the scene.
Nik Aminuddin praised those who assisted in detaining the suspect, describing their swift actions as instrumental in allowing police to intervene immediately.
Drugs allegedly found in vehicle
A subsequent search uncovered a sling bag containing substances suspected to be illegal drugs.
Police said officers found a packet containing crystal-like substances believed to be methamphetamine weighing 0.75g, as well as another packet containing substances suspected to be ketamine weighing 2.38g.
Urine screening later confirmed that the suspect had consumed methamphetamine and morphine, according to police.
History of drug-related offences
Authorities said the suspect has a lengthy criminal record, including 15 previous drug-related convictions and two criminal convictions.
He was arrested and is being investigated under Section 12(3) of Malaysia's Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Police said he was expected to be brought before the Bukit Mertajam Magistrate's Court for a remand application.
Videos spark public concern
The incident drew widespread attention after videos circulated on social media showing an orange Mitsubishi Triton being driven erratically along roads in Seberang Jaya.
The footage appeared to show the vehicle moving unpredictably and repeatedly reversing in the middle of the road, raising concerns among road users.
Ongoing investigation
The Seberang Perai Tengah district police traffic investigation and enforcement department is also investigating the incident under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which covers driving under the influence of drugs and causing a road accident.
