Lorry driver claims microsleep caused crash that injured two journalists in Perak

Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the 35-year-old lorry driver tested negative for drugs and had no criminal record. — Bernama pic

First Published: Tuesday, 27 Oct 2026 11:45 AM MYT

IPOH, Oct 27 — The lorry driver involved in an accident with two journalists in Menglembu last Sunday claimed that he had experienced a microsleep, which led to the crash, police said.

Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said police were continuing their investigation.

He said the 35-year-old lorry driver tested negative for drugs and had no criminal record.

“The lorry driver has given a statement. Whatever the reason, it is still an offence because he hit the vehicle from behind. We will take the necessary action,” he told a press conference at the Perak police contingent headquarters here today.

Meanwhile, Mohd Alwi said police had yet to secure dashcam footage from any party, adding that the scene was not covered by closed-circuit television (CCTV).

Two journalists, Nur Afiradina Arshad, 34, of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Zahratulhayat Mat Arif, 37, of The New Straits Times (NST), were injured when their car collided with a lorry at about 5.45 am last Sunday.

Both were travelling in a Perodua Bezza to cover a programme involving Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in Bagan Datuk. — Bernama