KUALA LUMPUR • The chances of Malaysia's para cycling team winning gold at the upcoming Asean Para Games are in jeopardy, after head coach Johari Nayan and four of his riders were involved in an accident while training along the Latar Highway near Batu Arang in Selangor yesterday.

While Johari escaped with abrasions, his cycling team of Nor Rizuan Zainal, 31; Khairul Azwan Wahab, 25; Nur Syafiq Suhaimy, 19; and Khairul Nizam Ali, 23, all suffered more serious injuries after they were hit by a pick-up truck.

They were taken to Sungai Buloh Hospital for treatment.

It was initially thought that the accident was a hit and run but Kuala Selangor district police chief Ruslan Abdullah clarified last night that the driver had come forward hours after the accident.

The 46-year-old driver was arrested and taken to the Kuala Selangor traffic police department for further action. "We plan to charge him on Friday. The case is being investigated under Section 43 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for careless driving," Supt Ruslan said.

He added that it was not a hit-and-run accident. The earlier confusion was caused by wrong information being given on the car registration number, he added.

It was reported that the four cyclists suffered broken limbs, which puts their participation at the Asean Para Games in doubt.

Nor Rizuan and Khairul Azwan represented Malaysia at the Rio Paralympics last year, and are said to be the favourites for the individual time trial gold at the Sept 17-23 Games in Kuala Lumpur.

"This driver has just destroyed us in a split second. I really can't imagine this happening," said Johari, 42, was quoted as saying in the New Straits Times.

"Now we are just praying the injuries aren't as severe and the riders can come back. Our Asean Para Games road events plans are destroyed by this."

ASIA NEWS NETWORK/THE STAR