SEGAMAT, April 7 — A trailer driver involved in the fatal crash that claimed the lives of three family members at Km212 of the Jalan Johor Bahru-Seremban, near the Taman Golden Hill junction in Gemas Baharu last week, was charged at the Magistrate’s Court here today.
The accused, Muhamad Shafiq Salleh, 29, nodded in understanding as the charge was read before Magistrate Amalina Johar. No plea was recorded, however, as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
According to the charge sheet, the accused is alleged to have caused the deaths of K. Myakrishnan, 72, his wife S. Sevendai, 65, and Sevendai’s brother S. Palamiandy, 75, at 3.50pm on April 2. Two of Myakrishnan’s grandchildren, P. Hariharam, 22, and P. Suguya, 18, were seriously injured and are being treated at Segamat Hospital.
He was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or 30 to 40 years’ jail.
If the death penalty is not imposed, Shafiq would be sentenced to a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.
No bail was offered to the accused, and the court set May 21 for a case mention to allow for the submission of post-mortem, medical, forensic, pathology and Puspakom reports.
Deputy public prosecutor Nur ‘Aina Muhammad Ismail Tadj appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was unrepresented.
Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke directed the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to conduct an immediate audit and investigation into the trailer operator.
Loke said strict action must be taken, including holding the company accountable for failing to monitor its driver’s conduct, as the driver tested positive for methamphetamine.
