MELAKA: The police have pledged to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the case where an 18-year-old motorcyclist was involved in an accident with a patrol vehicle.
Melaka police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Zainol Samah said his men were responding to a complaint about loud noise caused by a group of motorcyclists when the incident occurred at Jalan Gangsa Kesang in Durian Tunggal here on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“The police patrol vehicle, a four-wheel drive, had its siren and beacon lights turned on when arriving at the scene to attend to the complaint by the public,” he said yesterday.
DCP Zainol said the group of motorcyclists attempted to flee upon seeing the police vehicle.
He said at this point, the police vehicle made a right turn on the street when an oncoming motorcyclist rammed into it in the 2.56am incident on Wednesday.
DCP Zainol said a 37-year-old policeman was driving the vehicle.The victim, Mohammad Khairul Basahri, 18, reportedly succumbed to internal injuries at 12.37am yesterday while undergoing treatment at Melaka Hospital.
A 40-second video of the incident has gone viral where members of the public are seen berating the policeman and accusing him of causing injuries to the teenager.
DCP Zainol said an investigation is being carried out under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum fine of RM10,000 and one-year jail, upon conviction.
He reassured the public that the Melaka police would conduct a thorough and professional investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident can reach out to the Alor Gajah traffic investigation and enforcement division chief at 06-556 3222.