KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — A tree fell in Jalan Pinang here today, damaging two vehicles but narrowly missing a car carrying Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
Ab Rauf was passing the area in front of Kuwait Bank at about 3.30pm, during a downpour, when the incident occurred.
Ab Rauf’s press secretary Ezlyn Fardiha Zainal, when contacted by Bernama, said the Chief Minister was travelling in a Lexus 350 to a meeting venue in the federal capital.
“As the Chief Minister’s convoy was passing the place, a tree toppled over right in front of his (Ab Rauf) car, hitting an escorting Proton X70 police patrol car.
“The back windscreen and bonnet of the police car were damaged. Ab Rauf’s car was not hit and he emerged unscathed,” she said.
A 10-second video has gone viral on social media, showing a maroon Toyota Vellfire crushed by the uprooted tree.
It is learnt the authorities closed that section of the road for clearing work.
In Melaka, Ab Rauf said at the time of the incident, his car could not move due to the bad weather.
He said unfortunately, the police vehicle escorting him was hit by the falling tree.
“Praise be to God, I am fine and we hope authorities can monitor the trees around this city,” he said in a short WhatsApp message to reporters.
— Bernama