Outrage over Klang road crash caused by drunk, drugged driver that kills dual-job breadwinner

 

“THE killer of this unfortunate motorcyclist is entitled to be put to death if there’s a provision for it.”

That was the reaction of infuriated veteran journalist and blogger Datuk A. Kadir Jasin to the 11.40am fatal accident in Klang yesterday (March 29) which claimed the life of 30-something motorcyclist Amirul Hafiz Omar whose body was flung onto the roof of a blue MyVi.

He died on the spot. A dash cam video of the incident has gone viral showing a car overtaking recklessly and colliding with a motorcycle coming in the opposite direction on Jalan Raya Barat.

This account runs parallel with statement by Klang Selatan Police chief ACP Lim Jit Huey that initial investigations found that a Honda City driven by a man which was heading towards Klang town was being dangerously driven at high speed.

The father of three has apparently worked two jobs to support his family.

Today (March 30), the 20-something-year-old youth who was tested positive for drugs as well as being intoxicated at time of the incident has been remanded for four days to facilitate investigation under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Message to drinkers

Putting greater context of this incident was pro-family Facebooker Calvin Chen who painted a poignant picture by elevating the victim from a mere statistic to that of a young, responsible father of three.

In a blink of an eye, a wife was widowed and left to fend for herself. Three children, the eldest just in Year Four, has lost their guiding light.

What made the case even more heart-tugging was that the victim apparently went out to buy school supplies for his beloved children.

The victim was carrying out his parental responsibilities but his life was cruelly ended by a youth who was drunk and/or high on narcotics.

Taking a leaf from the accident, the poster who hails from Sabah urged drinkers to think long and hard before getting behind the wheel after having imbibed a few too many.

It is not just a case of breaking the law by driving while sozzled but destroying families when “accidents” such as this occur.

The obviously enraged fatherhood v-logger urged the authorities to take firmer action to deter others from driving under the influence. It was suggested that:

• Uncompromising mandatory prison sentence for cases of drunk driving causing death. Not just a fine or light punishment. But the punishment coincides with the lives that were lost.
• Driving ban for life for the felons. If proven to be a danger to others, that person no longer deserves to be on the road.
• A fine that is far heavier than the existing punishment until it really has an impact. Not just a number but a lesson that will never be forgotten.
• A heavy criminal record that cannot be easily erased. Let this mistake not be under-estimated and have long-term effects on the perpetrators.
• More frequent police operations and roadblocks, especially at night and festive seasons. Prevention is better than waiting for tragedy to happen.
• More aggressive and realistic awareness campaign. Show the real impact not just the statistics, but the stories of the families who were victims.

Chen’s post has generated 26K likes, 5.9K comments and 9.5K shares in a span of six hours denoting that this latest road fatality involving drunk drivers have caused great anger.

Some enraged commenters suggested that the offender be made to pay for the victim’s family’s upkeep until a determined date. If you are unable to pay for the maintenance of another family, then don’t drink and drive, it was noted.

The sense of anger and injustice was palpable as exemplified by this comment which called for a lifetime ban for those convicted of such offences.

It was also surmised that current fines (of around RM10,000) were insufficient deterrent to irresponsible motorists who choose to drive after having one drink too many.

However, it was pointed out that strict laws on the matter do exist in Malaysia. A precedent had also been set by a magistrate’s court in 2024 where a drunk driver that caused a fatal accident was jailed for 10 years and a fine of RM70,000 alongside a suspension of the driving license for 10 years.

Editor’s Note: Under Section 44 of the Road Transport Act 1987 (amended 2020), drunk driving causing death in Malaysia carries severe penalties: 10 to 15 years in prison, a fine of RM50,000 to RM100,000 and a minimum 10-year driving license disqualification.

Repeat offenders can face 15 to 20 years in jail and a 20-year or life ban.

The anger is palpable with citizens calling out for stiffer punishments. The requisite laws are available.

Perhaps, more consistent application needs to be enforced starting with a proper directive from the relevant authorities, notably the Transport Minister and the de-facto Law Minister. 

- focus malaysia