Malaysian driver allegedly hits traffic officer in Ipoh, injuring him, tests positive for methamphetamine

MALAYSIA: A traffic police officer suffered a broken left arm and right leg after being hit by a car whose driver allegedly fled a roadblock in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, on 24 September.

The incident happened at about 9.45am while officers from the Ipoh district police headquarters were conducting a roadblock on Jalan Silibin.

Driver allegedly fled roadblock

Ipoh district police chief Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Najib Hamzah said officers had ordered the car to stop, but the driver allegedly ignored the instruction and sped away.

The officer initially managed to avoid being hit, after which three traffic officers pursued the vehicle.

Near a traffic light by the Perak State Secretariat building, the driver allegedly moved into the left lane before making a sudden U-turn and hitting one of the pursuing officers.

The driver then allegedly fled towards Gunung Lang. Near a fast-food restaurant, he reportedly drove against traffic before the car crashed near a traffic light at Taman Wing Onn.

Driver arrested after crash

Police arrested the driver, a 29-year-old man, after the vehicle crashed.

Initial checks found that he did not have a valid driving licence and that the vehicle's road tax had expired, police said.

A preliminary urine screening also returned positive for methamphetamine.

The injured officer was taken to Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun in Ipoh for further treatment.

Muhammad Najib said the case is being investigated under Section 44(1) of Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987.