Frantic rush for strewn coins after highway accident

REMBAU, Tuesday: Road-users risked life and limb as they scampered all over to collect loose change strewn along the expressway after a four-wheel-drive vehicle, which was transporting about RM70,000 in coins, overturned near here today.

The incident occurred around 3pm at KM244 of the North-South Expressway and it was learnt that the money, all in coins, was in a large metal container in the vehicle.

Road-users, including women, totally ignored the police and other officials as they ran all over the expressway to pick up the coins.

They were seen frantically picking 50, 20 and 10-sen coins and putting them into plastic bags, pockets and even their helmets.

Some were also seen sitting along the roadside and picking the coins, oblivious of the crash victim who had escaped with light injuries and was just metres away.

According to Zairulhisham Mansor, 28, who was driving on the left lane with a friend, the accident occurred when his vehicle was hit from behind, causing him to lose control and it overturn along the road shoulder.

"The accident caused the coins which we were transporting to be strewn all over the road. Fortunately, both of us escaped with minor injuries," he said.

It is learnt that the coins were being transported by a private company from Shah Alam to be distributed to several shopping outlets in Malacca.

The accident resulted in a major traffic congestion on both sides of the expressway due to those stopping their vehicles to collect the coins and also the curious onlookers.

Police confirmed that a report had been lodged and they were investigating.