KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — A sports utility vehicle (SUV) driver pleaded not guilty in the Kajang Magistrate's Court today to three counts of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs, causing the deaths of three members of a family in a crash in Hulu Langat on Wednesday (July 29).
Mohd Norazlan Mohd Tamyiz, 42, was charged with driving a Perodua Aruz while under the influence of methamphetamine, resulting in the deaths of Hafifi Rahmat, 34; his wife Nik Aishah Asilah Nik Mohd Zamzuri, 32; and their three-year-old son Muhammad Rafie Hanzal Hafifi.
The offence was allegedly committed at Jalan Batu 17, Hulu Langat, at 7.56am on July 29.
He was charged under Section 44(1)(a) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a mandatory prison sentence of between 10 and 15 years, a fine ranging from RM50,000 to RM100,000, upon conviction.
The provision also carries a driving licence disqualification of at least 10 years from the date of conviction, or 20 years for a second or subsequent offence.
During proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Norfarhanim Abdul Halim objected to bail.
However, defence counsel S. Priyalatha appealed for a low bail, submitting that the accused is the sole breadwinner of his family, earning about RM1,000 a month, and supports his wife, two school-going children, and his elderly parents, who suffer from age-related illnesses and require ongoing medication.
Magistrate Fatin Dayana Jalil granted Norazlan bail of RM10,000 with one surety for all three charges and ordered him to report to the nearest police station once a month.
The court fixed September 18 for mention.
