A Road Transport Department (JPJ) officer was killed after being hit by a trailer lorry during an inspection of vehicles near the Setia Alam Toll Plaza here today.

Shah Alam Police chief ACP Shafien Mamat said Mohd Ridzuan Md Yusof, 34, was hit by the vehicle as the driver was re-entering the highway after a stop at the emergency lane to make a phone call.

"During the incident, the victim was conducting a routine inspection with three other JPJ enforcement officers. He was on his way to return the driving licence of another truck driver who was stopped for inspection.

"An initial investigation revealed that the trailer lorry had stopped behind a container lorry to make the phone call.

"It is believed that the driver of the trailer lorry was looking the other way and may not have noticed the victim in front of the vehicle and unknowingly hit him," he told reporters here today.

Shafien said Mohd Ridzuan, who suffered severe head injuries, died at the scene.

He said the 68-year-old trailer lorry driver was remanded for further investigation and Mohd Ridzuan's body was sent to the Shah Alam Hospital.

JPJ deputy director-general (management) Datuk Wan Ahmad Uzir Wan Sulaiman said Mohd Ridzuan had served at the Selangor JPJ for five years and excelled in his duty and was very disciplined.

He said the news of Mohd Ridzuan's death had been conveyed to his wife, who is six months pregnant, in Melaka. She has a four-year-old daughter.

JPJ director-general Datuk Nadzri Siron, who paid his last respects to Mohd Ridzuan at the hospital, said he would be buried at Bukit Rambai, Melaka.

"All of us at JPJ are deeply saddened by this unexpected incident and all staff are advised to be extra cautious while performing their duties," he said. -- BERNAMA