A lorry driver under the influence of meth crashes into a Singaporean family’s car, killing a child.

A tragic accident in Johor Bahru claimed the life of a 7-year-old Singaporean boy after a lorry, whose driver tested positive for methamphetamine, veered into oncoming traffic and crashed into a Singapore-registered car. The boy was thrown from the vehicle due to the impact and succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment.

A devastating crash occurred on March 16 at approximately 10:30 PM in Johor Bahru’s Jalan Pantai, near Permas Jaya. A 57-year-old lorry driver, who was later found to be under the influence of methamphetamine, lost control of his vehicle and veered into the opposite lane, colliding with a Singapore-registered car carrying five passengers. The impact was so severe that a 7-year-old boy was ejected from the vehicle.

Johor Bahru South police chief, Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat, confirmed the details in a press statement, stating that the lorry was traveling from Masai towards the Johor Bahru city center when the driver lost control, crossing into oncoming traffic. The victims in the Singapore-registered car included a 44-year-old father who was driving, his wife, their two young children, and an Indonesian woman, believed to be their domestic helper.

Young Boy’s Life Cut Short

Despite being rushed to a private hospital, the 7-year-old succumbed to his injuries at around 3:00 AM on March 17. The other passengers, including the driver, suffered varying degrees of injuries. Two individuals remained hospitalized at Sultan Ismail Hospital, while others were discharged after receiving treatment for minor wounds.

Police reports indicate that the lorry driver’s urine test came back positive for methamphetamine. Further investigations revealed that he did not possess a valid driving license, and the vehicle’s road tax had expired. These factors raise serious concerns regarding road safety enforcement and driver accountability in the region.

A Reckless Driver with No License

Authorities have since detained the lorry driver for questioning. He faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence of drugs and causing death by reckless driving, which carries a potential prison sentence and fines under Malaysian traffic laws.

The police have urged anyone who witnessed the accident to come forward with additional information to assist in the investigation. Investigators are also looking into how the driver managed to operate a lorry without a valid license and how he was allowed on the roads despite his drug use.

Authorities Issue Warning on Dangerous Driving

The case has once again highlighted the dangers of drugged driving and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat stressed the importance of road safety and warned against driving under the influence, stating, “This tragic loss of life could have been avoided if the driver had adhered to road safety rules. Drug use while operating a vehicle endangers not just the driver but everyone on the road.”

The Malaysian authorities have ramped up road safety measures in recent years, but this incident raises concerns over how unlicensed and intoxicated drivers continue to pose a threat.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless and impaired driving. The loss of a young life, the grief of a family, and the ongoing safety risks on Southeast Asian roads should prompt stricter law enforcement and harsher penalties for those who violate road safety regulations.

Sources: The Straits Times (2025), CNA (2025), NST (2025)

Keywords: Johor Crash, Fatal Collision, Singaporean Victim, Methamphetamine Influence, Lorry Driver Arrested, Traffic Tragedy, Car Accident, Highway Incident, Road Safety Violation, Drugged Driving