The driver of a pickup truck involved in a fatal crash that claimed the lives of three people, including a doctor, his two-year-old daughter and an Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) officer, has pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate’s Court in Pekan.
Syed Muhammad Izzat Aiman Syed Ahmad, 31, denied the charge after it was read before Magistrate Melody Woon Sze Mun.
According to the charge sheet, the accused was driving an Isuzu D-Max at about 5.30pm on June 19 along Kilometre 67 of Jalan Kuantan–Segamat when he allegedly drove recklessly, causing the deaths of Dr Mohamad Zekry Zuhairy Mohd Atan, 33, his daughter Dhea Sofia Mohamad Zekry Zuhairy, two, and Azaharuddin Mohd Ali, 46.
He was charged under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to RM50,000 upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Khamisah Ismail requested bail of RM15,000 with one surety and for the accused’s driving licence to be suspended until the conclusion of the trial.
Defence counsel Muhamad Izwan Ishak asked the court to reduce the bail, saying his client earns about RM1,500 a month as a technician and supports his wife, who is three months pregnant.
The court granted bail of RM7,000 with one surety, suspended the accused’s driving licence until the case is concluded, and ordered him to report to Muadzam Shah Police Station once a month.
The case has been fixed for mention on September 18, including the submission of case documents.
The fatal collision, involving three vehicles, occurred after the pickup truck allegedly attempted to overtake a lorry, hit a puddle, lost control and crossed into the opposite lane, according to earlier police investigations. The crash killed Dr Mohamad Zekry Zuhairy, his young daughter, and LHDN officer Azaharuddin Mohd Ali.
