Car accident led to discovery of 158kg ketum leaves

GUA MUSANG - A car crash at KM74 of the Jalan Gua Musang- Kuala Krai stretch, here, led to the discovery of 158kg of ketum leaves.

The accident which happened at about 1.30pm involved two vehicles which were a Toyota Vios and Honda City.

Gua Musang district police chief Superintendent Sik Choon Foo said the 24-year-old suspect driving the Toyota Vios which was filled with ketum leaves suffered serious injuries on his head.

"The suspect is in a critical condition and is currently being treated at a hospital in Kuala Krai while the 34-year old man who drove the Honda City sustained a broken right hand and is being treated at the same hospital," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

He said further investigation at the scene found that the accident occurred while the suspect was driving from Kuala Krai heading towards Gua Musang.

“Upon reaching the scene, the suspect's car was believed to have lost control and veered to the opposite lane before colliding with the Honda City.

“Investigations found that the Toyota Vios contained a total of 158kg of ketum leaves which were placed in the boot of the car,” he said.

He added that further investigation was still ongoing in accordance with Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving.

"The case is also being investigated under Section 30 (3) of the Poisons Act 1952 over the discovery of plastics containing ketum leaves," he said.