A fatal crash, a TikTok livestream and a ‘pistol’: How sharp-eyed viewers helped Kedah police arrest

SUNGAI PETANI, June 12 — A TikTok livestream of a fatal crash took a dramatic turn yesterday when eagle-eyed viewers spotted what appeared to be a pistol inside the wreckage – a discovery that led police straight to two men now in custody.

The object resembling a firearm was seen inside a Nissan Grand Livina MPV involved in a deadly collision with a motorcycle along Jalan Lencongan Barat in Laguna, Merbok at about 7pm, Harian Metro reported today.

“During the accident, a member of the public who was streaming live on social media discovered an object resembling a pistol inside the vehicle involved in the crash,” Kuala Muda district police chief Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan was quoted as saying.

“Police officers who were watching the live broadcast rushed to the scene and arrested the two men to assist in investigations.

“Checks found that the car’s driver is a 37-year-old man from George Town, Penang, while the front-seat passenger is a 35-year-old man from Ayer Hitam, Penang,” he said.

The crash claimed the life of a 67-year-old motorcyclist from Taman Ria here, who suffered head injuries and died at the scene.

Hanyan said both suspects tested positive for drugs – and both are no strangers to the law.

The driver has 16 prior drug records and one criminal record, while his passenger has seven drug records.

“Both suspects will be remanded this morning, and the case is being investigated under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960, Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 and Section 44(1)(a) of the same Act,” he said.

Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960 concerns the import or possession of an imitation firearm and carries up to one year’s jail, a fine of up to RM5,000, or both for those convicted.

Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 concerns causing death by reckless or dangerous driving and provides a jail term of between five and 10 years, and a fine of between RM20,000 and RM50,000 for those found guilty.

Section 44(1)(a) of the Road Transport Act 1987 governs driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol causing death.

Those found guilty can be punished with a jail term of between 10 and 15 years, a fine of between RM50,000 and RM100,000, and disqualification from holding a driving licence for 10 years.