A video showing an ambulance being stopped to allow tour buses carrying VIPs to pass has caused public backlash after it was uploaded on social media.
The incident reportedly happened near Malacca General Hospital, under the flyover close to the hospital entrance.
Ambulance forced to wait despite sirens on
A 50-second clip was posted on Dec 11 on a Facebook group showing a traffic police officer managing vehicles at a busy intersection under the hospital flyover.
In the video, a police motorcycle can be seen escorting four tour buses. During this time, an ambulance with its sirens on approaches the intersection but is made to stop.
Despite the urgent nature of the ambulance’s journey, the officer appears to prioritise clearing the path for the tour buses first, drawing strong reactions from viewers.
Netizens question priorities
The video sparked criticism from netizens who were upset that a potentially life-saving emergency vehicle was delayed.
Many expressed concern that the delay could cost precious time for patients in critical condition.
Comments under the post included: “Why didn’t everyone just honk at the officer?”
“VIPs are always treated like kings,” another wrote.
Some viewers also blamed the person filming the incident, claiming their car may have blocked the emergency lane.
However, the driver responded by saying they had already moved left to clear the path.
Others pointed out that the lane the car was in is typically reserved for emergency vehicles, and the parked car might have contributed to the situation.
No official response yet
As of 3pm today, police have not issued any statement regarding the incident or explained the decision to halt the ambulance.
The identity of the VIPs or the reason for their police escort has also not been revealed.
