Police Probe Assault on Bus Driver Following Crash on East-West Highway
GERIK, — Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into an altercation that resulted in a bus driver being assaulted following a road accident on the East-West Highway (JRTB) between Gerik and Jeli.
Gerik district police chief Superintendent Abdul Samad Othman said two investigation papers have been opened, covering both the traffic accident and the incident involving physical injury.
The incident occurred at about 1.30pm when an express bus travelling from Lumut to Terengganu was involved in a collision with a lorry coming from the opposite direction.
“The collision took place along a bend and caused damage to the bus’s side mirror and the lorry’s right-side window,” he said.
Altercation After Vehicle Was Stopped
Abdul Samad explained that the bus driver continued the journey after the accident due to safety concerns at the scene, which was not suitable for stopping.
However, another lorry driver who witnessed the incident contacted others to help intercept the bus.
The vehicle was eventually stopped about six kilometres from the accident site, near the Titiwangsa rest area.
“An argument broke out after the bus was stopped, which escalated into a physical confrontation,” he said.
Victim Sustained Injuries
During the altercation, the bus’s second driver, aged 32, was punched on the face by a lorry driver, resulting in injuries.
He later sought treatment at Gerik Hospital and was subsequently discharged.
Police said the confrontation appeared to have been triggered by tensions arising from the earlier accident.
Cases Investigated Under Separate Laws
Abdul Samad said the traffic accident is being investigated under Rule 10 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959.
Meanwhile, the assault is being probed under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.
He added that investigations are ongoing to identify all individuals involved and to establish the full sequence of events.
Public Urged to Avoid Speculation
Police have urged the public not to speculate or spread unverified information about the incident, particularly videos circulating on social media.
Such actions, he said, could mislead the public and interfere with ongoing investigations.
“We urge the public to allow authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation,” he said.
Further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing probe.
-wilayah.com.my
