The drunk driver in the fatal Klang crash today (1 April) faced one count of murder and one count of drug-related offence at the Klang Magistrate’s Court.
R. Saktygaanapathy, 28, nodded to indicate he understood the murder charge when it was read before Magistrate A. Karthiyayini. However, no plea was recorded because the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
R. Saktygaanapathy (right)
He pleaded guilty to consuming drugs
According to the charge, he is accused of murdering Amirul Hafiz Omar, 33, at Jalan Raya Barat at 11:47 AM on Sunday (29 March). The charge is under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years. If the death penalty is not imposed, the offender must also receive no fewer than 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.
The accused, however, pleaded guilty to consuming drugs, believed to be benzodiazepines and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
This charge falls under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both, upon conviction.
The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin, while the accused was unrepresented, according to Sinar Harian and Kosmo.
Members of the Opposition recently called on the government to amend the laws for a harsher punishment against drunk drivers, citing that they have the intention to kill if they are driving under the influence.
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