Malaysians try to push a stalled bus to the roadside in JB
Image adapted from: Polis Daerah Johor Bahru Utara
Traffic is an inevitable part of our daily lives that’s led most of us to Waze our way home – even though we know the route by heart – just to find the best route to avoid a jam. But there are times when dodging red streaks and hazard warnings that notify us of stalled vehicles slowing down traffic are not possible, like on a highway, for example.
But instead of simply keeping an eye out for licence plates for inspiration for the next 4D number to buy, several Malaysian motorcyclists in Johor Bahru took it upon themselves to help push a stalled Grassland Express coach – which travels between Singapore and Malaysia – to safety.
Bus breaks down on busy Johor Bahru highway
The District Police of North Johor Bahru recounted these locals’ kind deeds in a Facebook post on 18th January 2020. A double-decker coach bus operated by Grassland Express had stopped in the middle of Jalan Johor Bahru-Air Hitam, which is a busy, multi-lane highway, due to engine failure.
Image adapted from: Polis Daerah Johor Bahru Utara
The post in Malay translates to:
“North Johor Bahru IPD Traffic Patrol worked with the public to help push a broken-down bus to the curb at KM12 Jalan Johor Bahru – Air Hitam, but was unsuccessful as the back tires of the bus were locked.
While waiting for a tow truck from Pasir Gudang to arrive, traffic police directed drivers to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
The traffic police and general public’s thoughtfulness and consideration that was shown here should be an example to all.”
Fellow drivers on the road help out
After being alerted to the incident, the Johor policemen arrived on the scene to help out the bus that was stranded in the middle of the road. Several riders decided to help the policemen out by attempting to push the bus to the side of the highway to ensure the safety of other drivers.
Image credit: @pakazie, Polis Daerah Johor Bahru Utara
But they were unsuccessful as the back wheels of the bus were locked. While waiting for the tow truck to arrive, the policemen helped divert traffic so that those travelling on the highway could continue on their way undisrupted.
Image credit: Polis Daerah Johor Bahru Utara
Netizens react to the kind deed
Malaysian netizens who read the Facebook post applauded the sight of locals coming together with the police for the common good.
In this exchange, 3 netizens praised the Johor residents and police:
Daren Tan: Good residents in Johor (thumbs up)
Shazwan Garip: The best police and citizens.
Ropidah Abdul Rahman: Hopefully the integrity of our traffic police is restored in the eyes of the public.
Image adapted from: Polis Daerah Johor Bahru Utara
Facebook user Yop Yeop commented that it was nice to see police and citizens putting other road users’ safety and convenience over their own, adding that what they did was “admirable and noble”.
Image adapted from: Polis Daerah Johor Bahru Utara
Hatimin Ttr also commended the teamwork between the policemen and locals, and said that the police and members of the public should always work hand in hand.
Image adapted from: Polis Daerah Johor Bahru Utara
Kind deed in Johor Bahru
We can all agree when we say that traffic is a headache, which is why none of us wants to encounter a stalled vehicle in the middle of a busy road. But not many can say that they would step up to help attempt to push the bus to the road shoulder, which is why we’re all for this wholesome exchange.
So with Chinese New Year just around the corner, and most of us getting ready to get on the road and balik kampung, it’s important to not only drive safely, but also consider what you can do to help someone who needs help on the road.
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