Two Singaporean men lost their lives, and four others were severely injured following a tragic accident in Johor, Malaysia, early on the morning of March 23, 2023. The incident took place on the North-South Expressway near Yong Peng, where a container lorry struck a group of eight Singaporean motorcyclists parked on the highway’s emergency lane.
According to Batu Pahat District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Ismail Dollah, the motorcyclists were on their way to a pre-dawn meal in the town of Pagoh, Johor. During their journey, one of the motorcycles encountered a flat tire, prompting the rider to pull over at a nearby R&R (rest and recreation) area in Yong Peng. The remaining seven motorcyclists waited for their fellow rider in the emergency lane.
Unfortunately, a lorry travelling in the same direction lost control and collided with the waiting group, killing two of the riders, aged 26, on the spot. The lorry driver, a 33-year-old man, his partner, and one of the motorcyclists remained unharmed. The other four Singaporean men in the convoy suffered severe injuries and were rushed to Johor’s Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital. – Ismail confirmed that the lorry driver has been remanded for three days to assist with the investigation. He underwent drug and alcohol tests following the incident and reportedly tested negative for both substances. The driver’s cooperation is crucial in understanding the cause of the accident and ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, the community is left to mourn the loss of the two young men and pray for the swift recovery of the injured riders. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly when sharing the road with large vehicles like lorries.
The Batu Pahat District Police, led by Assistant Commissioner Ismail Dollah, are committed to diligently investigating the matter, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and that appropriate measures are taken to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
The victims’ families have been notified, and the appropriate consular support is being provided to ensure their well-being during this challenging time. The Singaporean community extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery for the injured riders.