Footballer Syafiq Ahmad Believed To Have Dozed Off While Driving Before Fatal Car Crash

South Seberang Perai district police chief Supt Lee Chong Chern told Harian Metro, "Investigations found that the cause of the accident was believed to be due to the footballer falling asleep and losing control of the vehicle he was driving."

He added that failure to gain control of the vehicle then caused the driver to swerve and crash into a divider. The car then flipped over and was dragged along the highway, based on skid marks on the road.

Lee also noted that Muhammad Syafiq's wife sustained a broken rib, internal bleeding in the stomach and brain, as well as a fractured thigh.

"The couple's eldest daughter also has internal bleeding in her brain. The mother and the child are now receiving treatment at the Seberang Jaya Hospital (HSJ)," he explained.

Through the Johor Southern Tigers official Twitter account, Tunku Ismail said, "I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Syafiq Ahmad following the passing of his family members. We are always with you, Syafiq. May they rest in peace. Al-Fatihah."

Tunku Ismail issued a decree for the JDT flag at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium to be flown at half-mast and the stadium be lit in white out of respect for the victim's family.

He also sent his private secretary and Johor Islamic Religious Affairs officials to Penang in order to assist Muhammad Syafiq.