Negeri Sembilan MB Explains Viral Red-Light Incident Involving Official Vehicle
Aminuddin says action only taken when police officer accompanies him during official travel
SEREMBAN, March 5 — Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has clarified that his official vehicle occasionally proceeds through red traffic lights while he is travelling for official duties, stressing that the action is only taken when a police officer is present in the car.
The explanation comes after a video circulating on social media appeared to show a vehicle believed to be the Menteri Besar’s official car running a red light along Jalan Rasah in Seremban.
The footage also showed the vehicle using blue strobe lights and a siren to clear the road as it passed through traffic.
Speaking to reporters after a state executive council meeting, Aminuddin acknowledged the incident but said such situations arise due to the demanding schedule he faces as a state leader.
He explained that his daily commitments often involve attending several official events and community programmes within a single day.
Travelling between different locations across the state sometimes requires quick movement in order to ensure that all scheduled engagements can be fulfilled.
According to Aminuddin, the decision to proceed through a red light is not taken lightly and is only done under specific circumstances.
He stressed that the presence of a police officer in the vehicle is necessary before such an action can take place.
“I admit that sometimes we have to move through a red light because there may be several official programmes scheduled in one day,” he said.
However, he emphasised that the vehicle would not do so without a police officer accompanying him.
“There is always a police officer travelling with me in the car. If there is no police officer, we would not proceed through the red light,” he explained.
Aminuddin said the measure is carried out with caution and only when absolutely necessary, ensuring that the safety of other road users remains a priority.
He also apologised if the situation had caused concern among members of the public.
The Menteri Besar noted that the responsibilities of leading a state government require him to attend numerous official functions, including government programmes, community engagements and meetings.
As a result, his daily schedule can be extremely tight, often requiring travel between multiple locations within limited timeframes.
Despite the pressures of such commitments, he stressed that safety considerations remain an important factor in managing official travel.
The remarks have since triggered discussion among Malaysians online.
Some observers expressed understanding, noting that senior government officials often face demanding schedules that require efficient travel arrangements.
Others, however, questioned whether public officials should be allowed to bypass traffic signals, highlighting concerns over road safety and the need for equal enforcement of traffic rules.
A number of commentators also suggested that if time-sensitive travel is required, state leaders should consider using a full police escort.
Such an arrangement, they argued, would provide a clearer and safer method of managing official movements while ensuring the safety of other motorists.
The incident has once again sparked debate about the privileges granted to public officials during official duties and how those privileges should be balanced with public accountability and road safety.
-wilayah.com.my
