As police investigate claims of a hit-and-run and missing jewellery, the tragedy has ignited public outcry and raised pressing questions about road safety and compassion.
SHAH ALAM - A horrific crash near the Menora Tunnel in Perak claimed the lives of a pregnant woman, her two-year-old daughter and her unborn baby; just a day before Hari Raya Aidilfitri last week.
As police investigate claims of a hit-and-run and missing jewellery, the tragedy has ignited public outcry and raised pressing questions about road safety and compassion.
A Family Torn Apart by Tragedy
The fatal accident occurred on March 30 at KM264.7 of the North-South Expressway (Plus), near the Menora Tunnel.
According to Ipoh Police Chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad, the crash involved a Perodua Bezza driven by 29-year-old Abdul Rahman Abdul Rahim, who lost control of the vehicle, possibly due to oil spillage on the road.
The car swerved off and plunged into a roadside drain, hurling all three occupants from the vehicle. Rahman’s two-year-old daughter, Naira Falisha, was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe head injuries.
His wife, Nur Fatihah Badrul Hisham, 25, who was eight months pregnant, was rushed to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital with critical injuries. Sadly, she succumbed the next morning at 9.30am, along with her unborn child.
The grieving father, who suffered facial injuries and required 15 stitches inside his mouth, has since been discharged and is recovering at his family home in Tanjong Malim.
Viral Dashcam Video Exposes Alleged Hit-and-Run
What made the tragedy even more devastating was a viral dashcam recording that appeared to show a red four-wheel drive (4WD) allegedly running over Fatihah as she lay on the road after being ejected from the car.
The footage revealed the vehicle allegedly failed to stop or assist the injured woman and sped away after the collision.
Perak Police Chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin confirmed that authorities were tracking down the driver of the red vehicle and reviewing CCTV footage from Plus highway cameras to identify the vehicle’s license plate.
"Police came across a viral video on social media showing a red four-wheel drive running over one of the victims and fleeing the scene.
“The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which deals with causing death by reckless or dangerous driving,” Abang Zainal said in a statement on April 3.
Driver Comes Forward, Investigation Deepens
On April 6, authorities confirmed that the driver of the red 4WD had voluntarily stepped forward and provided a statement at the Ipoh District Police Headquarters.
However, investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact role the vehicle played in the incident.
“Investigations are ongoing to determine the vehicle’s involvement in the incident,” Abang Zainal said.
Police are now examining dashcam videos, witness statements and forensic evidence to determine the chain of events and whether the woman was still alive at the time she was hit.
Missing Jewellery Sparks Further Outrage
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the victim’s family lodged a police report on April 4 at 10.42pm regarding missing jewellery, believed to belong to Fatihah.
The family alleged that the jewellery might have been stolen from her body following the crash.
The jewellery theft allegation has shocked the public, with many expressing disbelief that such an act could occur in the aftermath of such a horrific tragedy.
Reina Lum: “What Kind of Society Have We Become?”
The tragedy has drawn widespread attention, with netizens expressing grief and fury over both the hit-and-run and theft allegations.
Former lawyer and influencer Reina Lum, in an Instagram video viewed more than 71,000 times, condemned the driver’s actions and spoke of a broader societal failure.
“There are three key points I want to highlight on this matter. First, if you are involved in an accident—whether you have hit an object, a vehicle or a person—you are legally required to stop. Failing to do so qualifies as a hit-and-run offence.
“Second, this incident raises deeper concerns about our society. It is heartbreaking—there was a child and a pregnant woman lying on the road and not only did people ignore them, someone even ran over them.
“Now to make matters worse, there are reports that someone stole jewellery from the deceased,” she said.
Reina urged everyone to be extra cautious on the roads as the highways are crowded with people returning from Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
“The weather has not helped, with heavy rains every evening. Please drive responsibly. Your life and the lives of your loved ones matter more than anything,” she added.
Police Call for Witnesses and Dashcam Footage
Authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information related to the incident. Those with dashcam footage or eyewitness accounts are encouraged to contact Investigating Officer Insp Mohamad Faiz Abdul Khalim at 018-372 8477.
Abang Zainal also advised all road users to always drive carefully, especially on slippery and winding roads.
“Ensure your vehicle is in good condition before starting your journey and always use seat belts and child safety seats to minimise the risk of injury in an accident,” he added.
As the nation mourns the heartbreaking loss of a young family on the eve of a joyous celebration, many hope that justice will be served—and that road users will remember the very real human lives affected by every reckless decision.
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