A 16-year-old Malaysian secondary school student has tragically died after being struck by a car allegedly driven by a police officer who ran a red light. The fatal accident occurred on the night of 28 July in Gurun, Kedah, sparking public outrage and renewed calls for stricter road enforcement, especially involving law enforcement personnel.
The victim, identified as Muhammad Nur Iman Danial Mohd Roshidi from SMK Guar Chempedak, was riding his motorcycle through a green light when he was hit by a Perodua Axia. The vehicle was allegedly being driven by an off-duty police officer who ignored the traffic signal.
The collision left the teen with critical injuries, and despite being rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, he succumbed to his injuries on 31 July.
Officer to be Charged Under Road Transport Act
Following mounting public pressure, authorities have confirmed that the police officer involved will be formally charged in court. The case will proceed under Section 42(1) of Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987, which deals with reckless and dangerous driving resulting in death.
Kedah Police Chief, Datuk Adzli Abu Shah, reassured the public that the investigation would be conducted with full transparency and no officer would be shielded from legal accountability. The case will be heard on 6 August, with both the police force and legal authorities under public scrutiny to handle the case fairly and without internal bias.
This case has stirred up fresh discussions online about the ethical responsibilities of police officers and the importance of consistent legal consequences for all motorists—regardless of profession.
Road Safety Concerns Rise Amid Youth Fatalities
The death of such a young rider in a preventable accident has reignited debates on road safety for motorcyclists in Malaysia. Teen riders often rely on motorcycles as their primary mode of transport, especially in rural areas like Kedah, where public transport options are limited. Unfortunately, this also exposes them to higher risks of road fatalities.
Social media has since been flooded with tributes to the young victim, as well as calls for better enforcement of traffic laws—especially for those tasked with upholding them. This includes the use of dashboard cameras, increased traffic light surveillance, and more rigorous internal disciplinary measures for law-breaking officers.
As the case progresses in court, many hope it will set a precedent for accountability within law enforcement, and serve as a stern reminder of the irreversible cost of reckless driving.