Foreign Farm Worker Charged with Fatal Motorcycle Collision in Malaysia

A foreign farm worker appeared in the Magistrate's Court in Shah Alam, Malaysia, facing a charge of reckless driving that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist. The incident occurred near a traffic light intersection on Persiaran Mokhtar Dahari, Hillpark, in Puncak Alam, Kuala Selangor, on the evening of July 21.

The accused, identified as Md. Habibullah, a 28-year-old father of one, pleaded not guilty to the charge. He understood the indictment, which was read in Bahasa Malaysia. The charge alleges that he drove a Nissan Almera recklessly, causing the death of Muhammad Jafni Baharuddin, 29.

Under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, the offense carries a potential prison sentence of five to 10 years and a fine of RM20,000 to RM50,000 for a first conviction. Subsequent offenses could lead to imprisonment of 10 to 15 years and fines ranging from RM50,000 to RM100,000. A conviction would also result in the endorsement of the offense on the driver's license and disqualification from holding or obtaining a license for up to five years.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Alia Anisa Khairus Masnan confirmed that the accused had no prior convictions under the Immigration Act 1959/63. The defense lawyers, M. Partiben and Muhamad Saifullah Muhamad Azmi, requested bail, citing the accused's status as a foreign national and his employment as a farm worker with a monthly income of RM1,800, supporting his parents in his home country. They highlighted that bail is permissible under Section 388 of the Criminal Procedure Code and that his employer was present to act as a guarantor.

Magistrate Ameera Mastura Khamis granted bail at RM15,000, secured by two local guarantors. Additional conditions include monthly reporting to the police station. The court has set September 25 for the next hearing and submission of documents. Lawyers clarified that Habibullah is accused under Section 41 and not for drunk driving.