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The Malaysian Bar conveys its deepest condolences to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the nine Federal Reserve Unit (“FRU”) officers who lost their lives in the tragic road accident near Teluk Intan, Perak, on 13 May 2025.1 This incident occurred just within two days of the fatal collision between a poultry lorry and an elephant calf along the East-West Highway in Gerik-Jeli on Sunday morning, which triggered an outburst of emotions among Malaysians.2
The officers were returning to their base in Ipoh after completing their duties during the Chitra Pournami festival when the vehicle transporting them was involved in a collision with a lorry reportedly laden with stones. This incident is a devastating blow not only to the Royal Malaysia Police, but to the nation as a whole, as we mourn the loss of nine public servants who were engaged in service to the people.
We acknowledge the authorities’ immediate response in initiating investigations. While we must not prejudge the outcome, this tragedy must compel us to confront a deeper issue: the safety of our roads, particularly in relation to heavy vehicles. Earlier this year, more than 15,000 road accidents and 123 deaths were recorded in Malaysia during the Hari Raya travel period in April. Accidents are not confined to the festive period, as the total number of road accidents between 29 March and 6 April was 15,246, 3.8 per cent higher than the figure during the Hari Raya travel period between 6 April and 14 April in 2025, numbering 14,674. 3
These figures paint a grim picture and raise urgent questions about regulatory enforcement, driver vetting, vehicle maintenance, and overall traffic safety management involving commercial and heavy transport vehicles.
The Malaysian Bar is of the view that this latest incident cannot be treated as a one-off or passing matter. There is a pressing need for a thorough and transparent review of our existing laws and systems relating to road transport and safety. The framework must be examined in full — from the standards applied to driver licensing and background checks, to the inspection and maintenance of vehicles, and the enforcement powers of the relevant authorities. If our laws or enforcement mechanisms have gaps, they must be addressed without delay. The safety of all road users must be treated as a national priority.
We urge the Government to ensure that the families of the officers receive full and adequate support, including financial assistance, counselling, and other welfare aid. These families have made the ultimate sacrifice, and their pain must not be borne in silence or without support.
The Malaysian Bar stands in solidarity with the families of the deceased, and we share in the nation’s grief. We also reaffirm our readiness to contribute to any legislative or policy initiatives aimed at reforming and strengthening Malaysia’s road safety regime. Let this not be just another moment of mourning, but a catalyst for reform. We owe it to those who died in service — and to all Malaysians (including wildlife) — to ensure our roads are governed by laws that prioritise life and safety above all else.
Mohamad Ezri b Abdul Wahab
President
Malaysian Bar
16 May 2025
1 “FRU truck crash: Death toll rises to nine, all FRU personnel”, The Star, 13 May 2025.
2 “Mother elephant’s grief over calf killed by truck sparks outcry, renews calls for wildlife crossings”, Malay Mail, 12 May 2025.
3 “Road accidents up in Malaysia’s Hari Raya rush in 2025, totalling over 15,000”, The Straits Times, 27 April 2025.