KUALA LUMPUR – Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has called for stronger enforcement of road safety regulations for heavy vehicles, following the tragic death of 21-year-old Lee Zi Rou in Bukit Mertajam.
The young woman was killed last Wednesday when an unsecured container fell from a trailer truck and crushed her car at a traffic light junction on Jalan Bukit Tengah.
Sim, who visited the grieving family alongside the state DAP leadership, expressed his condolences and pledged to raise the issue at the next Cabinet meeting.
“We must ensure that all big truckers abide by road regulations and safety,” he said, as quoted by Bernama.
The accident, which occurred at 9.30 am, left Lee trapped in her Perodua Bezza.
In a final, heart-wrenching phone call to her mother, Lim Sheau Ling, 42, Lee said, “Mummy, it hurts so much, please help me.” Lim, a single mother of four, rushed to the scene but arrived too late.
“I can still hear her voice in my head,” she said, recounting the devastating moment.
Lee, described by her family as a kind and diligent individual who often worked part-time to support them, was a clerk at Lo Best Smart Solution and had been a Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) contributor since October 2022.
Sim confirmed that her family is entitled to financial assistance, including a RM3,000 funeral benefit and monthly payments of RM913.50 under the Dependants’ Benefit scheme.
“This support is meant to ease their burden,” he said, adding that counselling and free legal services would also be provided.
During his visit, Sim presented RM10,000 on behalf of Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, while the state government extended an additional RM1,000 in aid.
The minister also noted that Lim would receive a monthly contribution of RM1,300 from Perkeso to assist with ongoing expenses.
Sim disclosed that the police intend to charge the truck driver, with the remand period being extended to facilitate the investigation.
He underscored that the Perkeso plans to enhance its road safety campaign in collaboration with other government agencies to protect workers commuting to and from work.
The victim’s siblings, visibly moved, sobbed as Sim paid his respects. Lee will be cremated at the Berapit Crematorium tomorrow, with her family expressing hope that their loss will lead to improved safety measures. “We just want justice for her,” Lim said. – November 16, 2024
