KUALA LUMPUR – The lorry driver accused of crashing into a Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) truck, killing nine personnel, has six previous criminal records including one for rape, police revealed today.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the 45-year-old suspect had served time for the offences, local media reported.
“From our checks, he has one case of rape, one drug-related case and four cases of theft under Section 379 of the Penal Code.
“All of these cases have already been prosecuted,” he said at a special press conference at the Hilir Perak District Police Headquarters.
Ayob Khan added that a urine test conducted on the driver returned negative results for drugs or other prohibited substances, including ketum, countering claims circulating online.
“The urine test was carried out and the result is negative. We also confirm that the allegation claiming the suspect was transporting ketum is not true,” he said.
He added that the police would continue their investigation, including recording further statements from the suspect and reviewing all technical aspects related to the crash, which involved a lorry laden with stones.
The collision occurred at approximately 8.50am along Jalan Chikus–Sungai Lampam, as the FRU officers from Unit 5 Sungai Senam were returning to Ipoh from an assignment in Teluk Intan.
Eight officers died at the scene while one succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment in hospital.
In a separate announcement, Ayob Khan said the families of the nine victims will receive financial assistance ranging between RM58,000 and RM269,700.
The aid will be disbursed through various welfare channels and insurance schemes, including RM1,200 from the Welfare Fund, RM25,000 from the Warriors and National Defence Fund, and RM20,000 from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) work disaster ex gratia scheme.
“They will also receive financial donations of RM11,000 from the Perak contingent police headquarters and those who contributed to the PDRM cooperative will receive RM1,500 in death benefits and insurance compensation between RM36,000 and RM211,000 according to their contributions,” he said.
Ayob Khan added that injured personnel would also be eligible for assistance, pending assessments by medical professionals. – May 13, 2025