Three Killed in JB–Seremban Crash; Trailer Driver Tests Positive for Methamphetamine

JOHOR BAHRU, April 3 — Three people were killed and several others injured in a serious collision between a van and a trailer on the Johor Bahru–Seremban (PLUS) Highway early Friday morning, with police revealing that the trailer driver tested positive for methamphetamine during mandatory drug screening.

The fatal accident occurred at around 4:30 am near km 224, involving a Toyota Hiace van carrying multiple passengers and a heavy‑load trailer truck. Emergency services rushed to the scene after distress calls were made by passing motorists.

According to the Johor police, three occupants of the van — two adults and one child — were pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of the impact. Several others who were in the van sustained serious injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Details on the condition of the injured parties have not yet been disclosed by medical authorities.

In a preliminary statement, police said the trailer driver was subjected to a urine test at the site, which returned positive for methamphetamine, a controlled substance that impairs driving ability and increases the risk of accidents. The 35‑year‑old driver has since been placed under arrest and will be remanded for further investigation. Police did not immediately confirm whether the driver was under the influence at the time of the crash, but the positive drug result is expected to be a key factor in the ongoing probe.

“The involvement of drugs in this tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of impaired driving,” said a senior Johor traffic police officer. “We will conduct a full investigation to determine liability and ensure justice for the victims.”

The Johor Bahru–Seremban Highway, one of the busiest expressway links in Peninsular Malaysia, handles heavy commuter and freight traffic daily. Road safety advocates have repeatedly urged authorities to tighten enforcement against drug‑affected and fatigued drivers, especially on long stretches of highway where high speeds and heavy vehicles are common.

Traffic was temporarily diverted following the accident as emergency crews worked to clear the wreckage and conduct rescue operations. Congestion extended for several kilometres in both directions, prompting PLUS Malaysia Berhad to advise motorists to use alternative routes and travel with caution.

Authorities said that samples from the trailer driver will undergo laboratory verification to confirm the presence of the drug, and further toxicology tests may be conducted as part of the comprehensive investigation.

The incident has prompted renewed calls from road safety groups and family members of accident victims for stricter measures against impaired driving. Statistics from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) have shown that drug‑related impairment contributes to a notable proportion of highway collisions, raising concerns among policymakers and public safety advocates.

Meanwhile, funeral arrangements for the deceased are being coordinated by local community leaders, while counselling services are being offered to affected families.

Police continue to appeal to the public for any witnesses to come forward as the investigation progresses. Authorities also reminded all motorists to avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, observe speed limits, and always practise defensive driving to prevent similar tragedies on Malaysian roads.