Superbikes Crash On Kuala Lumpur–Karak Highway: Police Launch Manhunt For Riders

Don’t treat the highway as a racetrack, especially when it’s the infamous Karak Highway.

Don’t treat the highway as a racetrack, especially when it’s the infamous Karak Highway.

The Kuala Lumpur–Karak Highway, a crucial artery connecting the capital to the eastern states, has long been a favourite weekend playground for motor enthusiasts. Its sweeping bends and picturesque mountain views attract convoys of high-powered motorcycles and spirited motorists seeking the thrill of open-road riding.

Yet, despite its appeal, authorities have continually reminded the public that such stretches are not substitutes for a racetrack. Public roads carry unpredictable risks — from potholes and loose gravel to sudden weather changes — making reckless behaviour a dangerous gamble.

Last Sunday (27 April), a series of crashes involving high-powered motorcycles at KM43.4 of the eastbound highway near Bentong served as a stark reminder of these dangers.

Dramatic Crash Captured on Camera

 

A chilling video of the incident, recorded on a helmet-mounted camera, swiftly went viral across social media platforms, sparking concern among road users and safety advocates alike.

In the footage, the camera wearer can be seen approaching a sharp bend when a motorcyclist ahead leans heavily into the corner. Midway through the turn, the rider’s bike suddenly loses grip and lowsides, sending both man and machine sliding across the asphalt and into the grass verge.

As the cameraman pulls over in the emergency lane to offer assistance, a second rider, perhaps caught out by the same road conditions or distracted by the incident, suffers a similar fate. His motorcycle slides violently across the road towards the stationary rider, narrowly avoiding a direct collision.

Mere seconds later, a third motorcyclist skids into view, his bike scraping along the tarmac and throwing up sparks before slamming into the roadside barrier. The rider himself is seen tumbling along the ground before coming to rest near the crash site.

The original video, offering a front-row seat to the harrowing chain of events, can be viewed here:

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by asylr 🇲🇾 (@aasyrafs)

One Rider Injured, Two Others Missing

 

Following the crash, one of the riders was able to be located by authorities and was found to have sustained injuries to his right leg. According to Bentong District Police Chief, Superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar, the injured rider is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

However, attempts to contact the other two riders involved have so far been unsuccessful. The Bentong District Police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division is actively working to track them down for their statements.

Superintendent Zaiham confirmed that initial investigations suggest all three motorcycles lost control while attempting to navigate the bend, resulting in them skidding and crashing into the drain located on the left shoulder of the highway.

Investigation Underway

 

The case is currently being investigated under Section 43 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for careless and inconsiderate driving. If found guilty, the individuals involved could face a fine of up to RM10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months.

Authorities are also appealing for witnesses who may have been present during the accident to come forward and assist with the investigation, emphasising the importance of public cooperation in ensuring the case is handled swiftly and thoroughly.

The Dangers of Treating Public Roads Like Racetracks

 

Sunday’s accident highlights a concerning trend among certain groups of motorists and bikers who treat public highways as venues for high-speed thrills.

Unlike a closed track, highways present countless variables — other vehicles, changing surface conditions, debris, and sudden obstacles — that make high-speed riding exponentially more dangerous. Even experienced riders are not immune to the unexpected, as seen in the viral video where consecutive accidents occurred within mere seconds of each other.

The Kuala Lumpur–Karak Highway has, in the past, been the site of numerous serious accidents, particularly involving motorcycles. The combination of high-powered machines, overconfidence, and lack of respect for road conditions has repeatedly proven a deadly mix.

Here’s other incidents that have happened onthe  Karak Highway:

Read: Group Of 5 Superbikes Crash On Karak Highway Leaving 2 Badly Injured

Continuous Enforcement Measures

In light of this incident, Superintendent Zaiham announced that Bentong police will be stepping up enforcement operations along the Kuala Lumpur–Karak Highway, particularly targeting weekends and public holidays when traffic volume and recreational motorists peak.

He warned that stern action would be taken against those found treating the highway as a racing circuit. Measures would include regular patrols, roadblocks, and greater surveillance, aimed at deterring reckless driving behaviour and ensuring the safety of all road users.

“We will not allow public roads to be misused as racetracks by irresponsible individuals. Safety must remain the top priority,” he said firmly.

A Call for Responsibility

Ultimately, Sunday’s crash serves as a harsh reminder that the pursuit of adrenaline should never come at the expense of safety — both for the riders themselves and for everyone sharing the road.

Authorities urge motorcyclists and motorists alike to exercise greater caution, respect traffic regulations, and resist the temptation to push their limits on public highways. Thrill-seeking should be reserved for controlled environments, not stretches of road travelled daily by families, commuters, and other innocent parties.

As investigations continue and operations tighten, it is hoped that tragedies like this will become fewer — and that Malaysian roads can be made safer for all.

 

*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media & various cross-references for context.

FOMO much? Follow our Facebook and Instagram for more updates.