KUALA LUMPUR – An Immigration Department lorry driver today claimed trial to five charges in connection with a fatal crash along Jalan Sultan Ismail here that killed a father and his two daughters.
Akbar Zainol, 43, pleaded not guilty to all five charges before Magistrate Aliaa Anwar and requested a trial.
He is accused of driving a Black Maria belonging to the Immigration Department recklessly, resulting in the deaths of Shaik Firdaus Shaik Yahya, 52, and his daughters, Siti Norshazlin Shaik Firdaus, 24, and Siti Darwisyah Shaik Firdaus, 12.
The three charges were allegedly committed at about 1am on Aug 19 and were brought under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
If convicted, Akbar faces between five and 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of between RM20,000 and RM50,000 for each charge.
He was also charged with driving carelessly and inconsiderately, allegedly causing injuries to Nor Hayati Rozali, 54.
The fourth charge, under Section 43(1) of the same Act, carries a fine of between RM5,000 and RM10,000, or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both upon conviction.
The fifth charge accuses Akbar of failing to obey a red traffic light under Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a fine of between RM300 and RM2,000 upon conviction.
During the bail hearing, Deputy Public Prosecutor Syajaratul Abdul Rahman sought bail of RM15,000 for each charge with one surety, together with additional conditions.
The prosecution also proposed that Akbar report to a nearby police station once a month and surrender his international passport, if any, to the court until the case is concluded.
However, defence counsel Izzat Amir Saharudin sought a minimum lump-sum bail covering all five charges and objected to the additional conditions proposed by the prosecution.
He said Akbar was a civil servant who would cooperate with the authorities and attend all court proceedings.
In mitigation, Izzat said his client, who has served for 11 years, is married and has a school-going child, while also supporting his elderly mother in Kedah.
He added that Akbar had no previous criminal record.
The defence also stressed that bail was not meant to punish an accused person but to ensure his attendance in court, noting that Akbar had yet to be proven guilty.
Akbar arrived at the court compound at about noon wearing a black jacket with his head and face covered. He kept his head lowered as he was escorted into court for the proceedings. -MalayaDailyToday
