Lorry driver in fatal FRU crash has 6 prior convictions, including rape
Deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said a background check revealed the suspect has one conviction for rape, one for drug-related offence, and four for theft. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : The lorry driver involved in the crash between his vehicle and a Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) truck – resulting in the deaths of nine officers – this morning, has six prior criminal convictions, including one for rape.
Deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the 45-year-old suspect had served prison time for his offences, Astro Awani reported.
'A background check revealed he has one conviction for rape, one for drug-related offence, and four for theft.
'All of these cases have been prosecuted,' he was quoted as saying.
Ayob said a urine test conducted on the suspect came back negative, ruling out the influence of any illegal substances – including ketum, contrary to claims on social media.
He said police are continuing their investigation and will record further statements from the suspect.
'The authorities are also reviewing all technical aspects of the crash involving the lorry,' he said.
The 8.40am crash, which also left two FRU officers critically injured, occurred when a gravel-laden lorry collided with a FRU truck transporting personnel back from a security deployment in Ipoh.
While the cause is still under investigation, preliminary findings suggest that the lorry may have suffered a steering failure.
Earlier today, deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said while the preliminary findings suggested a steering issue, the accident could have been prevented if the vehicle had undergone a Puspakom inspection.
'We are not placing the blame solely on the driver but on the (transport) company as well,' he said.
Ayob also said the families of the nine FRU personnel who were killed in the crash will receive financial aid between RM58,000 and RM269,700.
Bernama reported him as saying the aid will be channelled as soon as possible through various welfare funds as well as insurance compensation, and includes RM1,200 from the Welfare Fund, RM25,000 from the Warriors and National Defence Fund and RM20,000 from the police work disaster ex gratia scheme.
'They will also receive financial donations of RM11,000 from the Perak police headquarter. Those who contributed to the police cooperative will receive RM1,500 in death benefits and insurance compensation between RM36,000 and RM211,000 according to their contributions,' he said.
Ayob said those who sustained injuries would receive financial aid and compensation subject to evaluations by medical experts.
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