Cover image via Berita Harian
As the nation mourns the tragic deaths of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) officers in a crash in Teluk Intan, the man behind the wheel of the police truck is now grappling with a different kind of pain — guilt
Corporal Mohd Harrisul Ikhsan Mohd Mahabudin, the driver of the FRU truck carrying 18 officers from Unit 5, was taken to Teluk Intan Hospital after reportedly suffering head injuries and several broken ribs.
When he regained consciousness, he was told the devastating news: nine of his colleagues had died.
"Yesterday, 14 May, he found out about the fatalities. He feels responsible because he was the one driving," said his wife, Nor Ain Ahmad Hesam, 36.
"He keeps blaming himself and has been apologising to his comrades. I've been trying to comfort him, telling him not to shoulder the burden alone."
Mohd Harrisul was driving the truck when a sand-laden lorry crashed into it along Jalan Chikus-Sungai Lampam in Teluk Intan. The crash was reportedly caused by a steering system failure.
According to his wife, Mohd Harrisul has no recollection of the crash and only realised he was in the hospital after waking up
"Alhamdulillah, he's now conscious and can walk to the bathroom by himself. But he doesn't remember anything about the accident," she said.
In an emotional moment, Mohd Harrisul reportedly video-called fellow officer Corporal Nizam Tarmizi to apologise and later met Corporal Mohammad Zulnaidi Muhammad Zulkifli in person to do the same.
Both corporals are among the nine survivors who were injured in the crash.
"None of his colleagues are blaming him. Many have reached out to offer moral support. They understand the situation and keep reminding him that he doesn't have to bear this guilt alone," said Nor Ain.
The couple's 4-year-old son, Eusuff Anaqi, has also been affected by the incident. He's currently staying with family in Kuala Kangsar while Nor Ain remains by her husband's side at the hospital.
"He keeps asking for us. He's never been apart from both his Mama and Daddy for this long," she shared.
