Astro Awani reported no other vehicle was believed to be involved in the crash, and that the car had skidded before going over the divider.

Syafiq was believed to be travelling back to his hometown in Sungei Ara, Bayan Lepas, when the accident occurred near Sungei Bakap.

With him were his wife Nur Amalina Nur Ain, 25, 2-year old daughter Aaira Nur Saffiyya, 22-day-old son, his mother-in-law Zainab Wahab, 45, and their maid Titik Sukamti, in her 30s.

According to Awani, the Penang Fire and Rescue Department was notified of the accident at 5.36am and arrived at the scene less than 10 minutes later.

A spokesman for the department said they found the black Toyota Vellfire badly smashed with six victims, three of whom were trapped in the vehicle. Syafiq’s wife was reported to be in a critical condition in hospital.

Syafiq is a striker with Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) and the Harimau Malaya squad.

In a message on the JDT Southern Tigers official Facebook page, Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who owns the club, expressed his sympathies to the player.

“I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Syafiq Ahmad following the passing of his family members. We are always with you, Syafiq. May they rest in peace. Al-Fatihah.

“I plead with the public to refrain from sharing related photos and videos as a mark of respect to the sensitivity and feelings of Syafiq and family.”