DPM calls for SOP review after 2 fatal crashes

DUNGUN:Traffic police have been advised to review their standard operating procedure for outriders involved in long-distance journeys.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday called on the police force to consider providing short breaks in between such journeys to improve the safety of their men.

“I understand the high level of discipline and the requirement to speedily complete their task.

“But they should study places where they can safely make short stops to refresh and rejuvenate themselves, as long journeys can be tiring.

“This is for the safety of not only themselves, but also the people they are escorting.

“Therefore, I urge traffic police to relook the SOP so that fatalities involving policemen do not recur,” he said after visiting the family of outrider SergeantMajor Abdul Hakim Samingan in Kampung Darat in Jalan Rajawali here.

Earlier, Zahid had launched the state-level “Ekspresi Negaraku” carnival at Dataran Dewan Merdeka.

On the welfare of Hakim’s family, Zahid said monetary benefits would be expeditiously paid to his wife, Zarina Abdul Rahman.

“Hakim had served the force and nation well and I’m sorry about his death.

“We will ensure that his family is taken care of,” said Zahid.

Hakim, 54, and another outrider, Corporal Suresh Itchang, 36, were killed when their Honda CBX750 machines were hit by a lorry at Km139 Jalan Kuala Terengganu-Kuantan near Bukit Kuang at 2.55pm on Wednesday.

Both were part of an in-service training convoy, comprising two officers and 18 other ranks, from Mersing, Johor, to Kuala Terengganu.

The impact of the accident threw the policemen onto the road and they died instantly due to severe head and body injuries.

Zarina, 37, said she was touched by the presence of Zahid and Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman at her home.

“It has lifted our morale to go on with life. My biggest challenge is to raise and educate my three children, especially my eldest son, Muhammad Hilman, 9, who is handicapped and a slow learner.”

Relating events prior to the tragedy, Zarina said Hakim had contacted her saying he was very lethargic from the journey and was looking forward to returning home, just about an hour away.

“My husband told me he had been involved in the convoy training since last Tuesday and was very tired.

“I advised him to take care and be cautious. But he replied that he would soon have to be on duty to escort Zahid for the ‘Ekspresi Negaraku’ event,” said Zarina, adding that Hakim was suffering from diabetes.

Suresh’s widow, Winney Suley Buan, 33, said Suresh frequently communicated with her via WhatsApp, often expressing that he missed her very much.

“Little did I expect those messages to be the last. I miss him dearly,” she said.

Kemaman police chief Superintendent Mohd Said Ibrahim said the lorry driver had been detained to facilitate investigation under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act, 1987 for reckless and dangerous driving leading to a death.