Tumpat: A tekong darat (people smuggler) was killed when the car he was driving, with seven illegal immigrants from Myanmar, crashed while being pursued by a Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) vehicle on Jalan Bunut Sarang Burung-Kampung Kebakat in Tumpat today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tumpat Police Chief ACP Mohd Khairi Shafie reported that the Tumpat District Police Headquarters' Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division received a call at 10 am from Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital (HRPZII), informing them that a man had died following a road accident.

Investigations revealed that the incident occurred at approximately 6.50 am. The victim, a 34-year-old male labourer, was driving a Proton Perdana from Bunut Sarang Burung, Tumpat, towards Kota Bharu. He was believed to be transporting seven passengers, all illegal immigrants aged between 20 and 42, while being pursued by an MMEA vehicle. In his attempt to flee towards Kota Bharu via Jalan Kebakat, the suspect lost control of the vehicle, which skidded and crashed into a concrete drain in the opposite lane.

Mohd Khairi stated that the suspect suffered severe chest injuries and was rushed to HRPZII, where he was pronounced dead at 10 am. Meanwhile, the seven illegal immigrants are receiving treatment at the same hospital.