A COUPLE caught making out in a car by Muar police, caused a major accident when they tried to speed away.

Their car hit three others on a bridge, causing an hour-long traffic jam on Monday night, reported Harian Metro.

The accident, which happened at about 9.15pm, involved a fifth car, The Star reported.According to Guang Ming Daily, the man, 27, is from Kluang, Johor, while the woman, 22, is from Malacca.

The woman attends a private college in Kuala Lumpur while the man works in a factory.

They apparently met a month ago.

A police car, which was on a regular crime patrol, had spotted the couple locked in an intimate embrace in their car, which was parked at a hypermarket.

The traffic and public security chief of the Muar district police headquarters, ASP Yahya Manan, told Harian Metro that the couple's car was parked suspiciously in a dark area.

As police approached, the man sped off on the bridge heading towards the city.

ASP Yahya said: "The driver lost control, hitting two other cars before colliding with a third car coming from the opposite direction."

MINOR INJURY

A Chinese woman, a passenger in one of the cars, reportedly complained of lower back pains and was taken to hospital by her boyfriend.

Police later found a bouquet of flowers and a card with the words "Untuk yang tersayang" ("For my beloved" in Malay) in the backseat of the couple's car.

The couple emerged from their car dishevelled after the accident.

The unidentified couple were detained for further investigation before being released on bail.

The man has been booked for reckless driving.

If convicted, he could be fined up to RM5,000 ($2,200) and jailed for five years.

ASP Yahya added: "We are only investigating the traffic offence. Other offences will be handled by the enforcement division of the district Islamic religious department."

A spokesman for the department confirmed the case.

Unmarried Muslim couples found alone together in a private place can be charged for 'khalwat', or 'close proximity', a crime under Malaysia's Islamic laws which carries a jail sentence of up to two months.