Police believe the driver of a Proton X70 involved in a fatal crash near Bukit Lanjut on Jalan Gua Musang-Kuala Lipis on Thursday may have been involved in smuggling undocumented migrants.
Gua Musang district police chief Superintendent Sik Choon Foo said the driver was critically injured in the crash and is currently in a coma while receiving treatment at Gua Musang Hospital.
The incident reportedly happened when the driver, who was travelling from Kota Baru towards Kuala Lumpur, encountered a police roadblock.
Police believe the driver suddenly made a U-turn in an apparent attempt to avoid the roadblock and flee from the area.
“The driver appeared to have spotted the roadblock before making a U-turn and attempting to flee.
“He subsequently lost control of the Proton X70, causing it to crash,” Sik said.
The vehicle was believed to have been carrying eight undocumented migrants at the time of the crash, he added.
Two of the migrants died in the incident, while the remaining six were injured and taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Sik said the driver remains in critical condition and has yet to regain consciousness.
Police are investigating the case under Section 55E and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, as well as Sections 186 and 353 of the Penal Code.
Section 55E concerns harbouring undocumented migrants, while Section 6(1)(c) covers offences involving illegal entry into Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Section 186 of the Penal Code relates to obstructing a public servant in the discharge of their duties, while Section 353 concerns the use of criminal force against a public servant.
Investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine the driver’s alleged role in transporting the undocumented migrants.
