Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun met with an accident at KM88 Jalan Sibu-Bintulu at 6.30pm yesterday while on the way to visit the family of a relative who passed away.

Entulu, 63, who is also Selangau MP, said in the incident he was driving a four-wheel-drive with his wife Datin Jacklyne Anthony, 29, to visit the family of a dead relative in Rumah Chuat, Sungai Arip Balingian.

"Suddenly the vehicle I was driving skidded causing it to spin and crash into an oil palm tree," he said when contacted this evening.

Entulu said during the accident, the road was slippery due to a drizzle.

"I had breathing difficulties after coming out of my vehicle," he said.

He said villagers nearby the incident location took him and his wife to Tatau Health Clinic.

"I did not sustain any serious injuries, just body aches while my wife was a little traumatised by the accident," he said.

He said the four-wheel drive he drove was damaged on the bonnet and side.

Entulu, who is now in Kuala Lumpur, considered the incident as one of the challenges being an elected representative.

A picture of the minister's damaged four-wheel drive went viral in social media today causing speculations on those involved in the accident today.

-- BERNAMA