KUALA KANGSAR: A man believed to be under the influence of drugs rammed his Perodua Myvi through the front gates of Istana Iskandariah here this morning, while armed with a knife and fake pistol.
In the 7.40am incident, the man – a lorry driver by profession – rammed his vehicle through the palace's gates after being denied entry by the guards.
After making his way through the main entrance, he drove as far into the compound as the palace's porch.
"When he was not allowed to enter, the suspect suddenly slammed the vehicle into the main gates of the palace, breaking the chain and its lock (and drove through).
"He then sped towards the palace's porch, where personnel from the crime prevention patrol unit and a traffic multipurpose vehicle were on standby," said Kuala Kangsar police chief Assistant Commissioner Razali Ibrahim.
A scuffle broke out as the security team attempted to arrest the man, before he brandished his fake pistol," he told reporters here today, adding that the suspect was then subdued and arrested.
Razali said initial investigations found that the suspect, who is from Gerik, claimed he had been summoned to see the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah.
"Further investigations are being carried out, including obtaining his medical records, but so far, we assume he does not have a mental health condition.
"He works as a lorry driver and is married with two children," he said.
The suspect later tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine, but has no criminal record, Razali said.
The case is being investigated under Section 426 and 447 of the Penal Code for committing mischief and criminal trespass; as well as Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing public servants on duty; and Section 8 of the Firearms Act. – Bernama