KUALA LUMPUR: A motorist has pleaded not guilty in the Kajang Magistrate's Court to three counts of driving under the influence of drugs, causing the deaths of three members of a family in a crash in Hulu Langat earlier this week.
Mohd Norazlan Mohd Tamyiz, 42, was charged on Friday (July 31) with driving a sport utility vehicle (SUV) while under the influence of methamphetamine, resulting in the deaths of Hafifi Rahmat, 34, his wife Nik Aishah Asilah Nik Mohd Zamzuri, 32, and their three-year-old son, Muhammad Rafie Hanzal Hafifi.
The offence was allegedly committed at Jalan Batu 17, Hulu Langat, at 7.56am on Wednesday (July 29).
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He was charged under Section 44(1)(a) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which provides for 10 to 15 years' jail and a fine of between RM50,000 and RM100,000 upon conviction.
The provision also carries a disqualification from holding a driving licence for at least 10 years from the date of conviction, or 20 years for a second or subsequent offence.
Deputy public prosecutor Norfarhanim Abdul Halim objected to bail.
Defence counsel S. Priyalatha appealed for a low bail, submitting that Norazlan is the sole breadwinner of his family, earning about RM1,000 a month, and supports his wife, two schoolgoing children, and his elderly parents, who suffer from age-related illnesses and require ongoing medication.
Magistrate Fatin Dayana Jalil granted the accused bail of RM10,000 with one surety for all three charges and ordered him to report to the nearest police station once a month pending disposal of the case.
The court fixed Sept 18 for mention. – Bernama
