KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — Investigations into the deadly crash on the Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway (Duke) that killed a family of three is nearing completion, according to city traffic police chief Datuk Mohd Fuad Abd Latiff.
In a statement disputing Deputy Home Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi’s remark that there was heavy speculation over the incident, Fuad said that the cause of the crash was clear and that the only issue still undetermined was whether the Perodua Myvis involved were racing prior to the mishap.
“I would like to clarify that no party is disputing how the accident happened. All over social media, the issue being disputed is the racing activity at such high speeds that it caused a fatal accident.
“The traffic branch of PDRM has conducted its investigations from all angles, taking into account how the crash happened and identifying several individuals involved who caused the accident. The investigation into the case is 90 per cent complete,” Fuad said.
He also added that the involvement of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) in the investigation — as ordered by Abdul Aziz — was unnecessary as the group’s role was limited to examining how roads could be made safer.
Fuad then urged all parties to refrain from issuing statements that may confuse the public.
In the crash early Saturday morning, a family of three died after the Mitsubishi Pajero they were travelling in was hit by one of six Perodua Myvis from an owners’ club that were said to be racing on the Duke.
On Sunday, surveillance video believed to be from a toll booth near the crash site, which showed scenes supporting the claim, was leaked onto the Internet.
Yesterday, one of the two drivers arrested over the incident blamed the family in the Pajero for the accident, claiming that the SUV had swerved into her lane before she crashed into it.
Police have since released the drivers of the two Myvis that crashed into the Pajero on bail — including the 35-year-old female suspect — apart from calling 11 people, including witnesses, for questioning.
The woman is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act for causing death from reckless and dangerous driving, and may be liable for between two and 10 years’ jail upon conviction.
