Nine men were injured, including three who sustained serious injuries, after a car they were travelling in crashed in the early hours of the morning following a police pursuit in Jeli.
The incident occurred at around 7.30am along Jalan Bukit Cermin near Kampung Sungai Rual.
Southeast Brigade General Operations Force (PGA) commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said three of the nine individuals, including a 21-year-old Malaysian driver believed to be a “land transporter” (tekong darat), were seriously injured.
He added that the remaining victims suffered minor injuries and were receiving treatment at Jeli Hospital.
According to him, the incident began when a PGA team from Battalion 7 detected a suspicious Proton Saga along the East-West Highway.
The vehicle was believed to be transporting undocumented migrants, and upon noticing they were being followed by authorities, the driver attempted to flee.
A police pursuit ensued until the vehicle reached Jalan Bukit Cermin in Kampung Sungai Rual, where it reportedly lost control, veered off the road and plunged down a slope.
Following the crash, police detained the Malaysian driver along with eight Bangladeshi men aged between 20 and 40.
Authorities also seized 10 yaba pills, believed to be methamphetamine, found inside the vehicle.
All those involved were taken to Jeli Hospital for treatment, with some later transferred to the Jeli District Police Headquarters for further action.
The case is being investigated under offences related to migrant smuggling and drug possession.
