KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has ordered the Malaysian Immigration Department to fully cooperate with authorities in the investigation into the early morning crash involving one of its lorries, which tragically claimed the lives of three family members.
"If the investigation finds any negligence, misconduct or breach of the law, firm action must be taken against those responsible," he said in a Facebook post today.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, Saifuddin Nasution also extended his condolences to the family members of the victims.
"The entire Ministry of Home Affairs and Malaysian Immigration Department pray that the victims' family will be given strength and resilience to face this difficult time. Al-Fatihah," he said.
Media reported that three pedestrians, who were members of the same family, were killed, while another was seriously injured after being struck by an Immigration Black Maria lorry on Jalan Sultan Ismail around 1 am today.
The lorry, without passengers, was believed to be on its way to Chow Kit for a raid against undocumented migrants.
It allegedly entered the Maju Junction intersection while the traffic light at its lane was red, with its beacon lights and siren activated. At the same time, a Proton Saga moving straight on a green light was reportedly unable to avoid the lorry and collided with it.
The impact sent the lorry careering out of control and into a skid, mowing down four pedestrians, along with an Inokom Matrix multi-purpose vehicle.
The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
-- BERNAMA