The crash on the PLUS highway near Ayer Keroh, Melaka – which involved a tour bus, two lorries, a car, and a multi-purpose vehicle – also left 33 people injured.

Melaka JPJ director Firdaus Shariff said the operator of the transport company suspected of being responsible for the accident was summoned to assist with the investigation under the Land Public Transport Act 2010, Bernama reported.

“The investigation papers were referred to the deputy public prosecutor earlier this week for further action.

“We are still awaiting a decision, and any updates will be communicated later,” he told reporters after leading an integrated operation involving the police, immigration department, and National Anti-Drug Agency in Batu Berendam, Melaka, last night.

Police previously said the accident was triggered by the front right tyre of a lorry becoming dislodged and landing in the middle lane of the northbound highway.

This caused a bus following behind to lose control, veer into the opposite lane, and collide with three other vehicles.

The crash claimed the lives of five passengers in the MPV, as well as the driver and a passenger of the bus.