JOHOR EXCO MAN ESCAPES UNHURT IN EXPRESSWAY ACCIDENT

By : Shahrum Sayuthi

JOHOR BARU, Wed: Johor executive councillor M. Asojan escaped unhurt in an accident at Kilometre 108 of the North-South Expressway, near Yong Peng, today. However, the driver of another car involved in the accident, an Indonesian, died at the scene.

Asojan, who was in charge of the State human resources, science, technology and innovation committees, was on his way here from Muar when the accident happened about 8.45am.

State Traffic Police commanding officer Superintendan T. Raveendran said initial investigations revealed that a Nissan was overtaking Asojan's official Proton Perdana V6 when it went out of control.

The swerving Nissan hit the front section of Asojan's car before smashing into the highway divider. It then spun several times before coming to rest in a ditch by the highway.

Asojan and his driver Borhan Ismail, 57, did not suffer any injury. Two others in the back seat of the Nissan suffered minor injuries.
Police is withholding the identity of the deceased pending notification of his family.

Asojan, who is also the Bukit Gambir state assemblyman, when contacted said he was glad that his driver and he were not hurt in the accident.

"It was raining heavily at that time and my driver was driving according to the speed limit. Everything happened so fast. I was a bit shocked when the other car hit us but luckily my driver did not panic and managed to control the car."

SOURCE: NEW STRAITS TIMES, 16 APRIL 2009