vesud A tragic accident in Johor claimed the life of a 42-year-old Singaporean cyclist on Friday morning after he hit a pothole, lost control of his bicycle, and was subsequently run over by a lorry carrying gravel.
The incident occurred along Jalan Gunung Pulai, in the Kulai district of Johor, Malaysia. According to Assistant Commissioner Tan Seng Lee, chief of Kulai district police, the cyclist had been riding with three other companions when the accident took place.
“The victim suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene,” AC Tan stated.
The cyclist, who was wearing a helmet at the time, fell directly into the path of the oncoming heavy vehicle after hitting a road pothole. The 41-year-old lorry driver involved in the incident was uninjured.
Investigations Underway
AC Tan confirmed that the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which addresses causing death by reckless or dangerous driving. The body of the deceased has been sent to Hospital Temenggong Seri Maharaja Tun Ibrahim in Kulai for post-mortem examination.
Authorities have not yet released the name of the deceased, pending notification of next of kin.
Viral Video Sparks Online Outcry
Shortly after the accident, a video allegedly recorded by the lorry driver began circulating widely on social media. In the now-deleted clip, the cyclist can be seen trapped under the wheels of the lorry, despite wearing a helmet.
The disturbing footage sparked outrage online, with many netizens calling for improved road maintenance and accountability for infrastructure-related accidents.
Several cyclist groups in Singapore and Malaysia have since issued statements urging for better road conditions and safer infrastructure for cyclists, particularly along popular cross-border routes frequented by weekend riders from Singapore.
A Wake-Up Call on Road Safety
The death has sent shockwaves through both the cycling community and the broader public, highlighting the risks posed by poor road maintenance and the vulnerability of cyclists on Malaysian roads.
“This tragedy could have been prevented. One pothole took a life,” said Mr. Lim Wei Jun, a Johor-based cycling club coordinator.
“We urge local authorities to take immediate action to repair hazardous road conditions.”
Singaporean cycling enthusiasts have also voiced concerns over the safety of Malaysian routes, especially in semi-rural areas where lorries and other heavy vehicles frequently travel narrow roads.
Calls for Accountability
While the police are continuing their investigation, road safety advocates say the incident underscores long-standing issues of infrastructure negligence and the lack of designated bike lanes.
A Change.org petition has already been launched demanding a full audit of road safety in Johor’s popular cycling areas, as well as stricter enforcement of maintenance standards by municipal authorities.
The Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has been notified and is providing assistance to the victim’s family.
The tragic death of the Singaporean cyclist in Johor serves as a grim reminder of the fragile balance between adventure and risk on Southeast Asia’s roads. As cycling continues to grow in popularity across the region, safety infrastructure must evolve to meet the needs of all road users.
