Fatal Collision Unveils Major Safety Lapses

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — A chilling investigation into the deadly crash involving a Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) truck in Teluk Intan last month has revealed shocking breaches of safety standards by both vehicles involved, according to a preliminary report from the Transport Ministry.

The FRU truck, which was carrying 18 personnel, alarmingly lacked vital safety features, including seat belts for both front and rear passengers. This absence is believed to have drastically worsened the injuries sustained during the catastrophic collision on May 13.

The Horrifying Impact of the Crash

Eyewitness accounts suggest that during the impact, most passengers were violently thrown forward, resulting in multiple secondary impacts inside the cabin. The unsecured bench-type seats were particularly hazardous, as were any loose items in the cabin, which likely became deadly projectiles.

"The combination of missing restraint systems and unsecured objects played a crucial role in the severity of injuries and fatalities in this incident," noted the report, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols.

Lorry's Dangerous Non-Compliance

In parallel findings, another report highlighted that the lorry involved, which was transporting stones, had failed to comply with mandatory GPS installation requirements set forth by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD). The lorry's GPS system was inactive, leading to a show-cause letter issued by the ministry on May 23.

This violation breached essential regulations designed to monitor vehicle speed and location, aimed at preventing similar tragedies. Such neglect could lead to significant penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or even suspension of operating licenses.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Stricter Regulations

Though dashcams are not yet mandatory, whispers of new safety regulations hint that installation may become a requirement by early 2026. The push for improved compliance comes after the heart-wrenching crash, which claimed the lives of eight officers instantly, with one more succumbing to injuries later at a hospital.

Nine others were injured in this tragic event, which unfolded around 8:50 AM as the FRU personnel were returning to Ipoh after fulfilling their duties at the Chitrapournami celebration.

This incident has sparked a national conversation about vehicle safety that may lead to reforms aimed at ensuring such a tragedy never happens again.