BATU PAHAT: A 46-year-old man described as “sleepy” found himself in police custody after recklessly driving against traffic.
Batu Pahat acting OCPD Supt Shahrulanuar Mushaddat Abdullah Sani said the incident unfolded along Jalan Ayer Hitam, Kluang, here at around 5pm on July 6.
“He was driving from Ayer Hitam towards Parit Raja when he swerved into the opposite lane and continued driving despite oncoming traffic.
“The incident was captured on a dashboard camera of another vehicle and later uploaded on social media.
“Based on the video, we tracked the suspect down, detained him and seized his vehicle at around 3pm the next day,” he said yesterday.
A urine test administered to the suspect yielded negative results for narcotics, he added.
“Upon questioning, the driver admitted that he was drowsy behind the wheel as he had taken six types of medication prescribed by his doctor for heart issues.
“He was unaware of how far he had driven against traffic as he claimed that he was very sleepy at the time,” said Supt Shahrulanuar Mushaddat.
He added that the man had medical documentation supporting his treatment regimen.
The case is being investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless and dangerous driving, an offence punishable by a jail term of not more than five years and a fine of RM5,000 to RM15,000.
In the 30-second video clip, the vehicle can be seen being driven in the opposite lane before swerving back into the correct lane as it nears an oncoming lorry and other cars.
Supt Shahrulanuar Mushaddat urged all road users to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and avoid endangering others.
“Always ensure you are in the right state of mind and physical condition before and while driving to safeguard public safety,” he said.
