PDRM Explains Why PM Convoy Was Given Priority Instead Of An Ambulance With Its Siren On
Prior to the clarification, several lawmakers demanded that the authorities reveal who was the very important person (VIP) in the convoy.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 27 Dec 2021, 03:02 PM
The Selangor Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) has confirmed that the very important person's (VIP) convoy caught in a viral video was the Prime Minister's entourage
According to a statement on Facebook, the video was said to be captured around 11.30am yesterday, 26 December.
In the 29-second long video, at least 17 vehicles — not including over a dozen motorcycles — were given priority to cross a junction even though an ambulance with its siren on is at the scene.
The ambulance had to wait about half a minute for the convoy — which compromises police vehicles, black-tinted sports utility vehicles (SUVs), and luxury multi-utility vehicles (MPVs) — to get through first.
A black uniform individual, who is believed to be a police officer, can be seen standing in front of the lane which the ambulance is on.
Selangor JSPT chief Azman Shariat revealed that, at the time, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's entourage was making an official visit to inspect the cleaning-up progress at flood-hit areas in Hulu Langat.
Azman said that the entourage was given priority at the junction because, based on the assessment of the driver of the lead vehicle, they had to avoid causing an accident
"In the situation that was caught on video, there was a risk of an accident and danger to other road users if the four-wheel-drive vehicle and Malaysian Red Crescent ambulance were allowed to exit the junction," the statement read.
"This is why the government convoy that had police outriders on the main road was given the priority to avoid any accidents based on the personnel's initial assessment."
Azman said that the decision is in line with Traffic Rule No 9 LN 166/959 of the Road Transport Act 1987.
The statement added that as soon as the entourage had passed, the ambulance was given priority to exit.
Azman said the police are always committed to giving priority to the public, especially when the matters involve the safety of road users and emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and fire engines.
Prior to the statement, several members of parliament (MPs) had demanded that the authorities reveal who was the VIP in the convoy
BFM quoted Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim as saying to cancel "VIP convoy culture" in Malaysia.
While Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman lamented since when has "rank" become more important than saving lives.
At the time of writing, the video has garnered over 1.9 million views and 34,800 retweets.
