NEWS
From the Scene to the Aftermath: What We Know So Far About the Heartbreaking FRU Crash
On the early morning of May 13, 2025, a tragic road accident occurred in Teluk Intan, Perak, involving a Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) vehicle carrying 18 personnel and a gravel-laden lorry.
Nine people were confirmed dead, while the remaining nine are receiving treatment at Teluk Intan Hospital.
The crash, which took place along Jalan Chikus–Sungai Lampam at approximately 8:30 am, claimed the lives of nine individuals—all of whom were FRU personnel.
The victims have been identified as:
- Sgt Perumal a/l Sugunanathan, 44
- Sgt Mohd Roslan Abd Rahim, 46
- Cpl Mohd Pozli Jaudin, 41
- Cpl Nurit Pandak, 34
- Cpl Amiruddin Zabri, 38
- Cpl Mohamad Hilmi Mohd Azlan, 38
- Cpl Muhamad Akmal Muhamad, 35
- L/Cpl Damarrulan Abdul Latif, 33
- Constable Akmal Wafi Annuar, 28
As of this morning, three of the victims—L/Cpl Damarrulan Abdul Latif, Sgt Mohd Roslan Abd Rahim, and Cpl Amiruddin Zabri—have been laid to rest.
Meanwhile, three others—Constable Akmal Wafi, Cpl Nurit Pandak, and Sgt Perumal Sugunanathan—are scheduled to be laid to rest later today.
The crash is believed to have been caused by a steering failure. The lorry driver has since been arrested.
According to a report by NST, Perak Police Chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin stated that the gravel-laden lorry likely suffered a steering malfunction, causing it to crash head-on into the FRU vehicle.
At the time of the incident, the FRU vehicle was part of a seven-vehicle convoy and was positioned fifth in line. The team was reportedly returning to Ipoh after completing their duties for the Chitrapournami festival.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay confirmed that the 45-year-old lorry driver tested negative for drugs in a urine test, ruling out intoxication as a factor in the crash.
A background check revealed that the suspect had six prior criminal convictions related to drug offenses, theft, and rape. However, all cases had been previously prosecuted.
A special task force comprising government and independent experts will be formed to investigate the cause of the accident and recommend measures to improve road safety.
Victims’ families to receive up to RM269,700 in aid
In a separate statement, Ayob Khan announced that the families of the nine FRU personnel killed in the crash will receive financial aid ranging from RM58,000 to RM269,700.
The aid will be distributed through various welfare funds and insurance compensations. This includes RM1,200 from the Welfare Fund, RM25,000 from the Warriors and National Defence Fund, and RM20,000 from the PDRM Work Disaster Ex Gratia Scheme.
“The families will also receive RM11,000 in donations from the Perak Contingent Police Headquarters. Those who contributed to the PDRM Cooperative will receive RM1,500 in death benefits and insurance compensation ranging from RM36,000 to RM211,000, depending on their contributions,” he said.
Featured Image Credit: The Sun, BERNAMA
Featured Image Credit: The Sun, BERNAMA