The unforgettable accident experience (Part 3)

The unforgettable accident experience (Part 1)

The unforgettable accident experience (Part 2)

Tan told me that he will settle all the paper work. All I need to do is to authorise his workshop to do the repair. After signing on the dotted lines, I was given some plastic bags and Tan asked to remove all my belongings from my car. It was then that I realised my sun-glasses were gone. Who took it? No prizes for correct guesses.

We exchanged cards and Tan promised me 3 things…that the repair will take no more than 3 weeks, that I will not have to pay a single cent and that he will use original parts. He broke all of them.

After 3 weeks, I went to the workshop only to find my car, totally untouched, still chucked at a corner. And I noticed one thing, the windscreen was completely smashed! I clearly recall that there was no damage to the windscreen during the accident, but it’s was totally smashed when I saw it after 3 weeks. Smashed windscreen equals higher charge, know I mean?

The repairs took more than 5 weeks, and it was a very bad job. The indicator lights were all hay-wired and the exhaust pipe was punctured. The paint job was also badly done. It took another week before the car was within acceptable condition.

Next, you would think that the insurance will cover everything. After all, that’s what insurance is for right? Wrong! I have forgotten the details but I had to pay a few hundred bucks for some charges which the insurance company did not cover. It was not tow-charges, it was something else.

When your car is badly smashed and you endorse an unknown workshop to do the repair, you can forget about original parts. Of course, they will tell you that they used original parts. But a quick inspection by my mechanic revealed that all parts used were butchered from other cars. My mechanic also said that the workmanship was horrible.

I drove the car for another 6 months before I decided to sell it. The car was shaking when I picked up speed, it just didn’t feel safe. And that was when I discovered another piece of shite.

The designated mechanic of the showroom I went to told me that my car was repaired ala “kereta potong” style (joint car). I was told that it will be a big problem selling the car as it will not pass Puspakom inspection.

But then again, this is Malaysia; and Puspakom is a govt agency. All I have to do is to take a big hit in the value of the car and things can be … “settled”. I traded-in the car at RM7,000 below market value. Regardless, I was just glad the nightmare was finally over.

Oh… I did ask Tan about the oil-on-the-road allegation. His reply was plain and simple… “Just be careful when you drive around past midnight”.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you…


2 years ago… A trip of co-incidences… “Tax free” dividends?… A thought from an over-loaded brain… Whack it over the weekend…

The unforgettable accident experience (Part 2)

The unforgettable accident experience (Part 1)

Along the journey to the police station, Tan shared with me his experience in dealing with the police and the cases he has handled. He told me what is in store for me at the station and gave me pointers on how to handle them. He said I have nothing to worry if I am “clean”. He also said mentioned that the most important thing is that I am not hurt. The damage to the car is secondary. Overall, he appeared to be a nice guy.

Upon reaching the station (the one near Petaling Street), the officer who took my I.C. and driving license was already waiting for me. He said my case will be handled by a senior officer because he was adamant that I was high on drugs. Read Part 1 if you don’t know what I am talking about.

I was then led to a different floor, with Tan accompanying me. Along the way, I noticed Tan taking something from his pocket and discreetly giving this something to every single officer that he met along the way. That “something” resembled a RM10 note.

I think the time was about 2 a.m.

I was asked to enter a dark room. It was dark because the investigating officer (“I.O.”) turned off the light and was sleeping on the floor when we entered the room. The officer who thought I was high on drugs whispered something to the I.O. while he steadied himself from his slumber. He then asked everyone to leave the room and directed me to sit in front of him. It was then that I realised… I was being interrogated!

The usual name, occupation and how the accident happened were asked. As expected, “interrogation” centred upon what substance I took. He was pressuring me into tell him that I was drunk or high on drugs. Unfortunately for him, I have nothing to tell or admit to. His trump card was that he wanted to take my urine and blood to which I agreed. I think he was puzzled that I showed no fear.

He then turned to his computer and started drafting his report. I wanted to know what he was saying in his report and so I leaned forward and looked at his screen. It was then that I realised he made some grammar mistake in his report and me being me… I corrected him…

He turned and stared at me… I looked at him and said…
“Sorry tuan, tadi tatabahasa tuan kurang tepat. Saya risau syarikat insurans tak terime laporan nanti”
(Sorry sir, your grammar is inaccurate. I am afraid the insurance company will not accept the report)

I think at that moment, the I.O. was fully convinced that I was neither drunk nor high on drugs.

“Kamu kata kamu kerja apa tadi? BM bagus.”
(What did you say you work as again? Your Malay language is good)

I gave him a smile and it was then that the I.O. smiled at me for the very first time.

He then called Tan into the room and told him that he wanted to withhold my car as he suspected that I did not maintain my car properly, causing the accident. The I.O. wanted to send my car for Puspakom inspection which according to him, will take up to 3 months.

Tan pulled me aside and told me that they just want to make things difficult but he can “settle” the issue if I can confirm that I will let his workshop handle the repair. Apparently, the earlier form I signed was just to allow him to tow my car away. Either I let the police hold my car for 3 months (or perhaps more) or let Tan do the repairs. I guess I have no choice.

By the way, I was asked to pay RM300 as summon because hitting the divider is an offence under “merosakkan harta awam” (damaging public property). I was told that if you hit lamp post, it may cost you as much as RM1,000.

I took out RM300 and Tan also took out “something” for the I.O. Finally, a friendly aura radiated from the I.O. He began to smile and joked with me and Tan. Then another officer came in and whispered something to the I.O.

“Ada satu kes baru, sudah confirm makan pill. Dia susah. Bukan macam you”
(There’s a new case, confirm taken pill. He’s in trouble, unlike you)

I bid the I.O. farewell and as I got out of his room, I saw a teenager sitting on the floor with his hair all messed up. He did not look like he was in a position to correct the grammar of the I.O.

Should I blog about my experience with the workshop people as Part 3?


1 year ago… Selfishness aplenty… Guess the 6th

The unforgettable accident experience (Part 1)

I can’t accurately recall but it should be middle of the year 2004, past midnight. I was driving back from PJ, heading towards KL via Pusat Bandar Damansara. Those familiar with that route will know that it is an uphill drive as you get on Jalan Semantan (with CIMB on your left) and then, a relatively steep downhill. That’s when it happened.

Just as my car commenced the downhill descend, I heard tyre screeching sound and the next thing I knew, I lost control of my steering and of course, my car. My lack of driving knowledge together with natural instinct led to me pressing the brake which then resulted in the car spinning violently.

I think it spun for a good 3 – 4 seconds before it smashed the divider. The car did not stop. It continued to spin and it took a while more before it came to a complete halt. Now, this is an interesting part…

When I got out of my car, I realised that my car is now located on the other side of the road, i.e. the road heading towards PJ with CIMB now on my right. In fact, the badly damaged bonnet of my car was actually facing towards PJ. Till today, I do not recall my car being flung into the air to get over the divider and land on the other side. Neither did it smashed through the divider. It remains a mystery.

No, I was not drunk or under the influence of any substance. And no, I was not speeding.

Naturally, I was in shock and just as I was about to inspect the damages, a guy was already at the side of my vehicle. I think he appeared within 30 seconds and the very first thing he asked me was…

“Lei meh insurance keh?”
(Which insurance are you with?)

I told him the name of the insurance company and he said his workshop is the panel workshop of that insurance company and will be able to settle the repairs smoothly. He then took out a form and recorded the damages to my car and asked me to sign. I hesitated, as I was still trying to recollect myself.

The next thing I know, a crowd has gathered around the area and our very own police arrived. The police officer grabbed my upper arm and took me aside, as though I am a criminal. He demanded for my driving I.C. and driving licence and asked the following questions:-

Tinggal mana? (Stay where?)
Kerja apa? (Work where?)
Datang dari mana? (Came from where?)
Pergi mana? (Heading where?)

When I told him I was heading to KL from PJ, he looked at my car, which was mysteriously facing PJ on a road heading to PJ, he said this to me in an extremely rude tone, I can recall it clearly…

“Awak ni, pasti dah makan pill”
(You have surely taken some drugs)
“Beritahu saya betul-betul, ada makan pill? Kalau awak beritahu saya sekarang, saya boleh tolong”
(Tell me honestly, did you take drugs? If you tell me know, I can help you)

I told him I took nothing. In fact, I was getting a bit offended with his treatment and tone. And then, he said this…

“Saya nak test kencing kat balai. Kalau positif, terus masuk lokap”
(I want to test your urine. I’ll put you in lock-up if it’s positive) – sounded like a threat, don’t you think?

He drove off with my I.C. and driving license and asked me to meet him at the police station.

Meanwhile, the workshop dude already got my car fastened to a tow truck. He asked me to sign some forms to formalise the engagement. After assessing my options, I realised I was left with no choice and gave him my signature.

He introduced himself as “Tan” and said he will send me to the police station to lodge my report.

The experience at the station was also an eye-opening one. But since this post has gotten a bit too long, guess you will have to wait for Part 2…


P/S: In relation to my previous post on road accidents, I would highly recommend that you read this particular comment from BobSam.