Recently, Malaysia was rocked by a horrific crash involving a Myvi driver and a Honda Accord which unfortunately resulted in the death of Senior Soldier of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), Mohd Rizal Buseri. He was only 31 years old and passed away at the scene of the accident.
Malaysians were outraged by the accident, especially when it was revealed that the Myvi driver, Nur Fatin Nazrah Suhaimi, was found high on drugs when it happened. She also had no valid driving license and was driving a car without a road tax and insurance!
Justice came swiftly for Fatin as only a few days later she was charged under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 and Section 15 (1) (a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for causing death by reckless driving as well as for being found positive for drugs following a urine screening test. The Johor Bahru Magistrate Court subsequently found her guilty and sentenced her to 6 years jail and RM8,000 fine.
However, it seems that many on social media found this punishment to be a bit light in comparison to her actions. Especially considering her reckless act that resulted in the death of a fellow Malaysian.
This has caught the attention of the Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Ir. Dr Wee Ka Siong who took to Facebook to clarify the matter. Here is the post in question:
Saya mengambil maklum tentang kes pemandu Myvi di Kilometer 4, Jalan Johor Bahru-Kota Tinggi pada 10 Oktober lalu yang…
Posted by Wee Ka Siong on Friday, 16 October 2020
In his post, Dr Wee Ka Siong explained that he is well aware of the dissatisfaction most have expressed with the penalty that have been meted out. He further clarified that his ministry have already amended the relevant laws to prescribe heavier punishment for such a crime. He explained,
“Since I was sworn in as Transport Minister, road safety has been a central priority in terms of improving policy and enforcement practices under the purview of the Ministry of Transport. This entails amending the RTA 1987 to introduce heavier penalties in order to raise public awareness of road safety.”
However, Dr Wee asserted that there are certain processes need to be fulfilled before the amendment actually came into effect.
Transport MInister, Dr Wee Ka Siong back in April 2018
- Jail term of not less than 2 years and not more than 10 years.
- Fine of not less than RM5,000 and not more than RM20,000.
After the amendment, the punishment for the offence is:
- Jail term of not less than 5 years and not more than 10 years
- Fine of not less than RM20,000 and not more than RM50,000.
- Suspension of the offender’s driving license has also been expanded from not less than 3 years to not less than 5 years for the first offence.
- Jail term of not less than 3 years and not more than 10 year
- Fine not less than RM8,000 and not more than RM20,000.
After the amendment, it now prescribes for punishments of:
- Jail term of not less than 10 years and not more than 15
- Fine of not less than RM50,000 and not more than RM100,000 for the first offence.
- Suspension of the driving license or the right to obtain one is also expanded from not less than 5 years to not less than 10 years for the first offence.
We hope that the Transport Minister’s explanation clarified why the Myvi driver in the centre of this was only meted with punishment in concurrent with the Road Transport Act 1987 prior to its amendment.
What do you guys think? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: Myvi Driver Who Killed Soldier In Crash Pleads Guilty, Punished With 6 Years Jail & RM8,000 Fine
