A 28-year-old technician who was previously detained for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs has been brought before the Magistrate’s Court in Klang today, facing a murder charge over the death of a motorcyclist along Jalan Raya Barat last Sunday.
The accused, R Saktygaanapathy, who was unrepresented, appeared before Magistrate A Karthiyayini and nodded in understanding after the charge was read out through an interpreter. However, no plea was recorded as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
He is accused of causing the death of Amirul Hafiz Omar, 33, in an incident that occurred at about 11.47am on 29 March along Jalan Raya Barat, Klang. The charge was framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment between 30 and 40 years, and at least 12 strokes of the cane if the death sentence is not imposed.
In a separate charge, the accused was also charged with self-administering drugs, including benzodiazepine and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), at the Narcotics Office of the South Klang District Police Headquarters at about 3.30pm on the same day. He faces prosecution under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to two years upon conviction.
The accused pleaded guilty to the drug consumption charge, but no bail was offered as he is also facing the more serious murder charge. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin.
The court fixed 3 June for mention, pending a chemical report related to the case. Authorities confirmed that the accused was brought to court under tight security by officers from the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department of the South Klang district police headquarters.
Investigations revealed that the suspect, who tested positive for alcohol and drugs, is believed to have been driving recklessly, overtaking multiple vehicles before entering the opposite lane and colliding with the victim’s motorcycle.
The impact of the crash threw Amirul Hafiz onto a Perodua Myvi before he was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim, who worked in a warehouse by day and as a food delivery rider at night, leaves behind his wife, Nor Nadia Abdul Majid, 32, and their three children aged nine, seven, and two.
He was laid to rest at the Kampung Repoh Muslim Cemetery in Batu Kurau, Perak.
