Aminuddin explained that his hectic daily schedule, packed with multiple programmes, often required his driver to make up for lost time, Sinar Harian reported.

“We may have to run red lights, but always cautiously, using the siren as needed to reach the location promptly.

“I apologise, because otherwise, I wouldn’t dare do it myself. Usually, state leaders are given some leeway in such matters,” he told reporters after chairing a state executive council meeting at Wisma Negeri today.

Sinar Harian reported that a video, which went viral, showed the menteri besar’s official vehicle running a red light, with captions asking whose car was “immune” to traffic rules while sounding a police siren.

Aminuddin said his office had written to the authorities to obtain the necessary approvals.

He said a police officer was always present in his official vehicle.