Plane crash tragedy left lasting mark on outgoing Shah Alam OCPD

SHAH ALAM: The 2023 plane crash in Shah Alam remains the most deeply impactful moment in the career of former Shah Alam OCPD Senior Asst Comm Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim, who described the tragedy as one that left a lasting mark on him as a district police chief.

Reflecting on the incident during the handing over ceremony for the Shah Alam OCPD post on Friday (Nov 28), SAC Mohd Iqbal recalled the complexities and emotional weight of the tragedy that claimed 10 lives on Aug 17, 2023.

The accident killed eight people on board the aircraft – including two crew members – as well as two road users on the ground, a motorcyclist and a car driver.

“The tragedy was heartbreaking and undoubtedly the biggest challenge in my career,” he said in his speech.

SAC Mohd Iqbal, who led the initial response at the crash site, said coordinated action was crucial as multiple agencies were involved, including the forensics team, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

“Everything had to be done swiftly, with sensitivity and professionalism – from securing the area and managing the media to identifying victims and assisting their families,” he said, adding that the tragedy drew wide media coverage and demanded rapid multi-agency coordination.

SAC Mohd Iqbal also expressed gratitude to the Selangor police leadership and all Shah Alam district personnel for their commitment, particularly in managing major crime cases, narcotics operations and crime index reduction strategies.

“Every success is never achieved by one individual. It is the result of teamwork. I truly appreciate the dedication shown by all Shah Alam personnel in facing various challenges together,” he said.

He also thanked his wife along with the Selangor and Shah Alam chapters of the Police Family Association (Perkep) for their continuous support throughout his tenure.

The ceremony marked the official handover of duties to Asst Comm Ramsay Anak Embol, who becomes the 17th Shah Alam OCPD.

“My heartfelt congratulations to ACP Ramsay. I am confident Shah Alam IPD will continue to excel under his leadership,” SAC Mohd Iqbal added.

He has now assumed his new role as Selangor Management chief and said he hopes to maintain strong working relations with the Shah Alam police district despite no longer leading it.