BATU PAHAT, Johor: Two Singaporean men were killed while four others were seriously injured after a container lorry crashed into their motorcycle convoy along Malaysia’s North-South Expressway early on Saturday (Mar 23).
The accident took place at the 111.4km mark on the northbound highway near the town of Yong Peng in Johor.
Batu Pahat District police chief Ismail Dollah said Mohamad Firman Nordin, 26, and Mohammad Shahfiq Irman, 26, died on the spot, and that their bodies had been sent to Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital for a post-mortem.
He said police received a call regarding the incident involving seven motorcycles and the container lorry at about 3 am.
“The accident is believed to have occurred when eight men were in a motorcycle convoy from Singapore to Pagoh, Muar, for sahur. One of the motorcycles had a flat tyre and the rider stopped his bike at the Yong Peng rest and service area,” he said in a statement.
“The other seven also waited in the emergency lane. Suddenly, a container lorry, coming from the same direction, lost control and rammed into them.”
Sahur is the pre-dawn meal Muslims have before fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
Ismail said the four men who suffered serious injuries were treated at the Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital in Muar.
“However, the 33-year-old lorry driver, his 29-year-old lorry attendant and another motorcyclist were unhurt,” he said.
“The lorry driver, who is from Kedah, has been remanded for three days from today to assist in investigations and he tested negative for drugs and alcohol,” he added.
Mohammad Shahfiq Irman was the 2017 winner of Malay talent show Anugerah hosted by Mediacorp’s Suria television channel. (Image: Facebook/Mediacorp RIA 897) Mohammad Shafiq was the 2017 winner of Malay talent show Anugerah, broadcast by Mediacorp’s Suria television channel.
In a tribute on social media, Mediacorp said he would always be remembered as a dedicated person with a beautiful singing voice.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said it was rendering consular assistance and support to the affected Singaporeans and their families through the Singapore Consulate-General in Johor Bahru.
“MFA extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a smooth and speedy recovery,” said the ministry.