JIM Truck Crash: Norhayati Still Confused After Losing Husband, Children

IPOH, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- The woman survivor of an accident, involving a Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) truck on Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, that claimed the lives of her husband and two children is still in a confused state.

Norhayati Razali, 55, who was treated in the Kuala Lumpur Hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU), has been reported to have been transferred to a regular ward and is showing positive progress as she is able to eat and drink without the aid of a tube.

Her brother, Mohd Nadzri Razali, 69, said Norhayati, however, is still experiencing memory problems following the injuries, including head injuries, she sustained in the accident.

"She was told that her husband and two children have died. After regaining consciousness, family members took her to see their bodies and explained to her what had happened; she just nodded and didn't say anything.

"But the next day, she asked where her husband and children were. So we are not sure whether she still remembers or not what has been told to her," Mohd Nadzri said when contacted by Bernama today.

Mohd Nadzri said his sister suffered injuries to several parts of her body, including her hands, waist, knees and legs, as well as head injuries that required treatment in the hospital.

"Right now, we still don't know how much longer she needs to be treated in Kuala Lumpur. The doctor has not yet determined whether she can be transferred to a hospital closer like in Ipoh or Teluk Intan.

"If the doctor allows it and there is a chance to bring her back here, it might be easier for the family to take care of her," he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Nadzri said he has not had the opportunity to visit his sister because he does not have transportation to Kuala Lumpur but hopes to do so this weekend.

"Someone was going to take me there this Saturday or Sunday. If I drive, I don't know the roads in Kuala Lumpur and I'm afraid of getting lost," he said.

Regarding the investigation, he said the family hopes the authorities will conduct a transparent and fair investigation to ensure justice for all the victims.

"I seek justice. If there is a camera at the traffic light, let the truth be known and the investigation be conducted properly," he said.

On Aug 19, three pedestrians from one family were killed while another was seriously injured after being hit by a JIM Black Maria truck that was on its way to Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur on an illegal immigrant operation.

The accident is believed to have occurred when an empty truck with the beacon and siren activated, was on its way to Chow Kit, and entered the intersection while the traffic light was red.

The official duty vehicle then collided with a Proton Saga car that was moving straight when the traffic light was green, causing the truck to lose control, veer off, and crash into the victims and an Inokom Matrix car.

-- BERNAMA