[UPDATED] Two journalists injured after car hit by lorry in Ipoh

IPOH: Two journalists on their way to cover an event attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi were injured after their car was rear-ended by a lorry here today.

The 6am crash occurred along Jalan Menglembu as Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) journalist Afiradina Arshad, 34, and New Straits Times (NST) journalist Zahratulhayat Mat Arif, 37, were travelling from Ipoh to Bagan Datuk in a Perodua Bezza.

The impact caused their car to spin several times before overturning, while the lorry skidded into bushes along the opposite lane.

Both journalists were taken to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) for treatment.

Zahratulhayat received outpatient treatment and has since been discharged, while Afiradina remains under observation in the hospital's yellow zone after vomiting and sustaining injuries to her right arm.

They were on their way to cover the opening ceremony of the Bagan Datuk District Sultan Nazrin Shah Bridge Run at the Bagan Datuk Night Market site, scheduled to begin at 8.30am.

Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister and Bagan Datuk member of parliament, attended the event.

In a social media post, Zahid expressed concern over the accident.

"I am saddened to learn that two media friends from Bernama and NST were involved in an accident while on their way to cover a programme in Bagan Datuk this morning.

"I was informed that both journalists were receiving medical treatment.

"I pray that Dina and Zahra receive treatment smoothly and wish them a full recovery," he said.