5 die in Penang after their motorcycles collide during suspected street race
File photo of a police operation in May 2022 in Penang, which saw 50 motorcyclists who participated in illegal racing and performed dangerous stunts being detained. (Photo: Bernama)
GEORGE TOWN: Five people were killed and two others were seriously injured in an accident involving motorcycles and cars on early Sunday (Jul 17) morning.
The motorcyclists were believed to be participating in illegal racing.
Penang’s northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Soffian Santong said the accident took place at around 4am at the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway heading towards George Town.
Three of the motorcyclists died at the scene, and the other two died while receiving treatment at Penang Hospital.
The dead victims were identified as Muhammad Harith Zikri Yusnizar,17, Ahmad Haikal Naif Ahmad Nazrul, 19, Mohd Syazwan Hakim Mohd Abdul Sani, 22, and Muhamad Eizreel Muhamad Roszadi, 25.
Fifth victim, Mohd Haziq Harris, 34, who sustained head injuries died on Tuesday, said ACP Soffian in an updated statement on Jul 19.
Muhammad Shazwan Hafiz Mohd Abdul Sani, 22, who suffered injuries to his hands, legs and face, is still receiving treatment in hospital, while Muhammad Rahimi Shukor, 19, who had injuries to his face and head had been discharged.
All of them originated from Penang and Kedah.
According to Malaysian media, video clips shared online showed a group of motorcyclists racing on the highway when one of them crashed into a car.
In another video, a pile of motorcycles was seen on the road.
In his statement on Sunday, ACP Soffian said that early investigations showed that several motorcyclists were suspected to be participating in illegal racing before losing control of their vehicles.
“At the accident location, several motorbikers were believed to have lost control of their vehicles and collided with each other,” he said.
“In the incident, two cars, a Perodua Myvi and a Proton Waja, were also hit from behind by the group of motorcyclists,” he added.
ACP Soffian also said that before the accident, a police team had patrolled the location as a precautionary measure to prevent illegal racing activities.
He said the police had planned to arrest those involved in the activities.
In May, 50 motorcyclists were arrested for performing dangerous stunts and racing illegally at the Seagate beach area along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway.
Bernama reported that the group had frequent gatherings at the area for illegal racing. They also performed “superman-style” rides on weekend nights.
