KUALA LUMPUR: A driver who operated an Immigration Department 'Black Maria' lorry in a crash that claimed the lives of three family members has been slapped with five charges including reckless driving at the Magistrate's Court.
Mohd Akbar Zainol, 43, pleaded not guilty to all charges after they were read before magistrate Aliaa Anwar on Thursday (Aug 20).
For the first three charges, Mohd Akbar was accused of driving an Isuzu 'Black Maria' lorry dangerously and causing the deaths of Shaik Mohd Firdaus Shaikh Yahya, 53, and his two daughters Siti Norshazlin, 24, and Siti Darwisyah Auni, 12, along Jalan Sultan Ismail at 1am on Aug 19.
The charges, framed under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, carry a prison term of between five and 10 years, a fine between RM20,000 and RM50,000, and disqualification from holding a driving licence for at least five years upon conviction.
For the fourth charge, Mohd Akbar was accused of careless and inconsiderate driving resulting in injury to Shaik Mohd Firdaus' wife, Nor Hayati Rozali, 55, at the same location and time.
The charge under Section 43(1) of the same Act carries a fine between RM5,000 and RM10,000, alongside a potential prison term of up to 12 months upon conviction.
For the fifth charge, Mohd Akbar allegedly failed to obey traffic regulations by running a red light at the junction of Jalan Sultan Ismail at the same time and place.
He was charged under Section 79(2) of the same Act, which carries a fine between RM300 and RM2,000 upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Syajaratudur Abd Rahman offered bail at RM15,000 in one surety for each offence, alongside requests for monthly police station check-ins and passport surrender.
Defense lawyer Izzat Amir Saharudin requested a minimum bail amount, citing that his client supports a school-going child and an elderly mother.
He added that Mohd Akbar had served 11 years with the Immigration Department, had no prior criminal record, and posed no flight risk.
"Bail is only meant to ensure the attendance in court and the accused is not guilty until proven so. My client will give his cooperation and attend court proceedings," said the lawyer.
The court set bail at RM12,000 for each charge, granted the additional bail conditions, and suspended the accused's driving licence pending disposal of the case.
The case has been fixed for mention on Oct 27.
