In a terrifying near-miss that could have ended in tragedy, a massive Milo advertisement came crashing down from a billboard along Malaysia’s Federal Highway, engulfing a car in broad daylight. Miraculously, no one was injured in the incident.
The heart-stopping moment was captured on video and quickly went viral across social media platforms. In the five-second clip, the green Milo canvas was seen slowly detaching from its frame before plummeting directly onto an oncoming vehicle. The giant banner completely covered the car, temporarily blinding the driver.
According to reports, the incident occurred while traffic was flowing along one of Malaysia’s busiest expressways. Fortunately, the driver managed to remain calm and escaped unharmed. Authorities have yet to release an official statement, and Nestlé, the company behind the Milo brand, has not responded publicly.
Driver Escapes Unharmed, Netizens React With Outrage
Observers on the scene noted that maintenance workers were nearby, sparking speculation that repair works may have been ongoing when the canvas fell. Whether human error or equipment failure was to blame is still under investigation.
Despite the absence of physical injuries, public sentiment has been swift and strong. Many netizens expressed outrage, calling for the driver to take legal action against the parties responsible. Some questioned the structural safety of such large-scale outdoor advertisements, especially along high-traffic roads where an accident could have easily turned fatal.
Online users also pointed out how disastrous the situation could have been had the banner struck a motorcyclist instead of a car. In light of the incident, many are calling for tighter out-of-home (OOH) advertising regulations and more frequent billboard inspections.
Legal Liability & Insurance Questions Raised
While some defended the mishap as a freak accident, others argued that negligence could be involved. “Even if the driver is safe, this is a clear case of corporate responsibility,” one comment read. “Brands must ensure their advertising structures do not pose a danger to public safety.”
Legal experts suggest the victim may be entitled to claim compensation for damages under public liability or negligence laws. If the car sustained significant damage, insurance companies may step in — though questions remain about whether such events are covered in standard auto insurance policies.
The incident has since triggered broader conversations around road safety, billboard licensing, and accountability within the advertising industry, particularly for multinational companies.
Public Safety Should Be a Priority
With consumer protection, legal liability, and corporate accountability now in the spotlight, many hope this incident will prompt authorities and advertisers alike to take stronger precautions.
The Singapore public, which frequently travels across the Causeway, is also watching closely — especially as such outdoor ads are common throughout Malaysia.
This frightening event serves as a stark reminder: when advertising meets infrastructure, safety must always come first.