REMBAU - The Road Transport Department (JPJ) officer who was injured when struck by a motorcycle during a roadblock operation on the Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (SPDH) yesterday remains determined to carry out his duties.
Muhammad Nur Hakim Mohd Razip, 29, said it was the first time he had been injured in the line of duty since joining JPJ seven years ago.
"I was inspecting cars in the right lane of the two-lane highway when I saw a motorcycle rider slowing down in the motorcycle lane.
"Suddenly, he accelerated and changed lanes to the car lane, hitting me," he said during a visit by the Negeri Sembilan JPJ Director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf at his residence in JPJ Pedas Quarters earlier today.
The father of four expressed gratitude that he did not sustain severe injuries despite being seen catapulted after being hit by the 25-year-old motorcycle rider.
"In the video of the incident, you can see me holding my leg and trying to stand up, but it was painful.
"At that moment, my mind was blank and I didn't know what was happening.
"After taking an X-ray, the doctor informed me that there were no broken bones or other severe injuries, but there was torn tissue at the back of my head, believed to have occurred when it hit the road.
"My left leg also had scratches, swelling, and pain, believed to be from being struck by the motorcycle tyre," he said.
Muhammad Nur Hakim said he did not intentionally try to stop the motorcycle rider or risk his life, but he had no time to evade as the rider suddenly changed lanes and sped.
Meanwhile, Hanif Yusabra said the incident involved the lives of JPJ officers and personnel, as well as the public.
He urged the public to be more cautious, vigilant, and comply with regulations to avoid endangering other road users.
"Incidents like this will not dampen our spirit to continue and carry out any road safety operations following the department's established procedures and standards.
"Every time we conduct a roadblock operation, we have a well-thought-out plan, checking in terms of the standard operating procedures (SOP) for roadblock safety and the strength of our personnel before we carry out the operation.
"In this incident, the rider himself was riding recklessly," Hanif Yusabra added.