Lorry Driver Awarded RM10,000 After Heroic Act Saves 21 Passengers Near Menora Tunnel
KUALA LUMPUR: A lorry driver whose quick thinking and bravery helped avert a potential disaster near the Menora Tunnel has been awarded RM10,000 by the Malaysian Road Safety Council (MKJR) in recognition of his efforts in saving 21 bus passengers.
The award was presented to Wong Tuck Meng during a special ceremony at Parliament today, where Transport Minister Datuk Seri Anthony Loke praised the driver’s courage and decisive action during the emergency that unfolded on June 15.
Loke said Wong’s intervention prevented what could have been a catastrophic accident involving a bus travelling from Kedah to Kuala Lumpur after it reportedly lost control while descending a hilly stretch of road near the Menora Tunnel.
According to him, Wong demonstrated exceptional courage by using his lorry to help slow down the runaway bus before eventually assisting in bringing it to a complete stop.
“As a result of his extraordinary actions and his willingness to help save lives, MKJR has decided to present him with a special certificate of appreciation.
“In addition, the council has approved a RM10,000 cash award as a token of gratitude for his courage and outstanding contribution in preventing a tragedy,” Loke said during the presentation ceremony.
He said the incident could have ended very differently if Wong had failed to act promptly.
The Menora Tunnel area, located along the North-South Expressway, is known for its steep terrain and winding roads, making it one of the more challenging sections for motorists, particularly heavy vehicles.
Loke explained that as the bus lost control while travelling downhill, Wong, who was driving ahead, quickly assessed the situation and positioned his lorry in a manner that helped reduce the bus’s speed.
The manoeuvre eventually enabled the bus to stop safely before it veered off the road or crashed into nearby obstacles.
“His actions not only slowed down the bus but ultimately helped stop it completely.
“Given the terrain and the surrounding area, there was a genuine possibility that the bus could have plunged into a ravine had the situation not been brought under control,” he said.
Loke stressed that Wong’s actions highlighted the importance of awareness, discipline and civic responsibility among road users.
He said road safety is not solely about complying with traffic laws but also about being alert, caring for others and responding appropriately in times of crisis.
As chairman of MKJR, Loke expressed hope that the recognition would inspire more Malaysians to cultivate a stronger sense of responsibility while using the roads.
He described Wong as an exemplary motorist whose calmness and courage under pressure should serve as a model for others.
“Every driver should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times.
“They should also be prepared to take the appropriate action whenever possible to prevent accidents and help fellow road users in distress,” he said.
Loke added that acts of courage and compassion such as Wong’s deserve to be recognised because they reinforce the values of solidarity and mutual care within society.
The RM10,000 award, he said, is not merely a financial reward but a symbol of appreciation for an individual who placed the safety of others above his own.
For many Malaysians, Wong’s actions have become a powerful reminder that heroism does not always come from trained rescuers or public officials, but often from ordinary people who choose to do the right thing when it matters most.
