Motorcyclist killed after riding against traffic on Penang Bridge

GEORGE TOWN: A 22-year-old motorcyclist who rode against traffic was killed on the Penang Bridge at 2 am today. It was the second accident involving motorcyclists going the wrong way on the bridge in slightly more than 24 hours.
Muhammad Syahrul Iskandar from Permatang Pasir in Balik Pulau was riding alone on his motorcycle when he abruptly made a U-turn and went against traffic.
He crashed head-on with a pick-up truck. Muhammad Syahrul died in an ambulance that was rushing him to the Seberang Jaya Hospital.
The accident occurred at the same place where another mishap took place yesterday. It is said to be a blind spot with the road curving into the Penang Bridge.
In the earlier accident on Friday, three motorcyclists were injured in a four-vehicle pileup at the exit point of the bridge on the island side. They too were riding against traffic at around 10 pm.
A 22-year-old motorcyclist crashed into a 19-year-old motorcyclist. They were nearly run over by a car. The driver managed to apply emergency brakes to avoid hitting them but was rear-ended by another car.
Northeast district police head Assist Comm Anuar Omar has confirmed the latest road accident fatality here, saying the case is being investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving.
It carries a penalty of between RM4, 000 and RM10, 000, and the offender is liable for a jail of up to 12 months upon conviction.