Immigration driver charged with causing family's death in road accident

A lorry driver for the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) has been charged with five offenses, including causing the deaths of three people in a road accident on Jalan Sultan Ismail in Kuala Lumpur. The accused, identified as Mohd. Akbar Zainol, 43, pleaded not guilty to all charges before Magistrate Aliaa Anwar.

According to the charges, Zainol, driving an Isuzu 'Black Maria' (prison transport) lorry, was allegedly driving dangerously, leading to the deaths of Shaik Mohd. Firdaus Shaik Yahya, 53, and his two daughters, Siti Norshazlin, 24, and Siti Darwisyah Auni, 12. The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of August 19.

These three charges fall under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of RM20,000 to RM50,000 if convicted. Additionally, Zainol faces a fourth charge for driving without due care and attention, causing injury to Nor Hayati Rozali, 55, the wife of Shaik Mohd. Firdaus, at the same location and time. This charge is brought under Section 43(1) of the same act, punishable by a fine of up to RM10,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months.

The fifth charge relates to traffic signal violation, specifically running a red light with the same vehicle, under Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a fine between RM300 and RM2,000. The prosecution requested bail of RM15,000 for each charge, with additional conditions including reporting to the police monthly and surrendering his passport. The defense argued for a lower bail, citing Zainol's responsibilities as a public servant supporting his family. The court ultimately set bail at RM12,000 per charge, totaling RM60,000, with the conditions of monthly police reporting and a suspension of his driving license until the case concludes. The case is set for mention on October 27 for document submission.