JOHOR BARU: Police have detained a 75-year-old woman who allegedly drove against traffic flow at Km9 Jalan Johor Baru-Air Hitam, here, today.
Earlier, a series of video clips of a Honda Civic with a double-digit plate registration number, travelling against traffic flow, was shared on several social media platforms.
Facebook account holder Lai Chun Yong, who posted the clips, also included footage of the driver being detained by policemen.
He alleged that the driver was suffering from dementia, and had travelled from Kulai towards Iskandar Puteri, driving some 15km against traffic flow before the vehicle was forced to a halt by motorists about 3am today.
In the comment section, a netizen claimed that the woman's family members were looking for her.
Another posted the woman's picture and that of the Civic which was parked in a housing estate believed to be in Kulai.
This prompted state DAP committee member Wong Bor Yang to reach out to the authorities and the Iskandar Puteri member of parliament to establish if the allegations were true.
Wong is a former Kulai assemblyman.
When contacted, Wong said he had called the police and the MP to render help to the woman, but was not able to contact the family members.
He added that he would assist the victim if required.
Meanwhile, Johor Baru North police chief Assistant Commissioner Balveer Singh said following the viral video, the elderly woman was detained at the Iskandar Puteri police station at 4.11pm.
She was called to appear at the station.
"Initial investigations revealed that she is suffering from dementia," Balveer said in a statement.
The case is being investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, for dangerous or reckless driving, which carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and a fine ranging between RM5,000 and RM15,000.
The offender's driving license may also be revoked upon conviction.