Singaporean Man Pleads Not Guilty in Malaysian Court Over Fatal Second Link Incident
A 27-year-old Singaporean man, Irshad Abdul Hameed, has pleaded not guilty in a Malaysian court over his alleged involvement in a fatal incident on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Expressway in Johor. The incident, which occurred on May 9, resulted in the death of a 32-year-old motorcyclist, A Vasanthraj.
According to reports, Irshad, a civil servant in Singapore, was driving his Maserati when he allegedly crashed into a metal road barrier, which was left protruding onto the right-most lane of the road towards Singapore. The motorcyclist, who was unable to avoid the barrier, crashed into it and sustained severe injuries to his head and left leg, ultimately succumbing to his injuries at the scene.
Irshad was charged under the Road Transport Act 1987 with causing death by reckless or dangerous driving. If found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to RM50,000 (approximately S$15,090).
However, Irshad’s lawyers have disputed the allegations, claiming that his car malfunctioned and did not make an illegal U-turn as initially reported. Instead, they argue that the car crashed into the barrier and stalled on the opposite side of the road, and that it was not Irshad’s car that hit the motorcyclist.
The court has set bail at RM12,000 (approximately S$3,620), and Irshad has been ordered to report to a nearby police station once a month. His driving license has also been suspended. The case is set to be heard again on June 10.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many taking to social media to express their condolences to the victim’s family and to call for greater road safety measures. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of the Second Link Expressway, which has been the site of several fatal accidents in recent years.
As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on Irshad’s guilt or innocence. However, one thing is clear: the incident has had a profound impact on the families of those involved, and it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible driving practices.