A 12-month-old baby killed in a four-vehicle collision at the Bukit Kajang toll plaza on Saturday, September 27, 2025, was not secured in a child seat, according to initial investigations, Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed.
Speaking at a press conference following the launch of the Terminal Bersepadu Gombak, Loke said, “Our preliminary findings, corroborated by police reports, indicate that the baby was not in a child seat at the time of the crash. As a result, the infant was ejected from the vehicle during the collision.”
Loke emphasized that his remarks were not intended to blame the grieving parents but to underscore a critical safety oversight. He noted that many Malaysians resist the ministry’s advocacy for child seat usage. “I’m not drawing conclusions, but a child seat provides essential safety features that can save lives and protect passengers,” he said.
The accident, which occurred around 11am, involved a three-tonne lorry carrying scrap materials, a Nissan X-Trail owned by the Public Works Department (JKR), a Honda City, and a Proton X70. Police reports indicate that the 42-year-old lorry driver allegedly jumped out of his vehicle after reporting brake failure, leaving it to crash into three vehicles approaching the toll plaza.
The driver, who has a history of criminal records and traffic summonses, was arrested and is under investigation for reckless driving causing death. Tests confirmed he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident.
Loke described the crash as a tragedy and urged companies to ensure their vehicles are consistently maintained, beyond the mandatory six-month inspections. “Companies must take full responsibility for the roadworthiness of their vehicles at all times,” he said.
The minister also reiterated the importance of child restraint seats, acknowledging cost concerns but stressing their vital role in enhancing safety. “This incident is a stark reminder of why child seats are critical for protecting young passengers,” Loke concluded.
