KLANG: A car driver believed to have been under the influence of drugs has been charged in the Magistrate’s Court here today with murder over the death of a motorcyclist in a crash on Sunday.
R. Saktygaanapathy, 28, was charged with causing the death of Amirul Hafiz Omar, 33, at Jalan Raya Barat, Klang, at 11.47 am on March 29.
The charge, framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, carries the death penalty or imprisonment of up to 40 years and, if not sentenced to death, a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.
No plea was recorded from the accused after the charge was read out before Magistrate M. Khartiyayini, as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
In another charge at the same court, Saktygaanapathy pleaded guilty to self-administration of drugs believed to be benzodiazepine (Benzo) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at the Narcotics Office of the South Klang District Police Headquarters (IPD) at 3.30 pm on the same day.
He was charged under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for a fine of up to RM5,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, and may include a supervision order of up to three years upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin did not offer bail, citing the seriousness of the murder charge. The accused was unrepresented.
The court then set June 3 for mention of all cases and the submission of pathology reports.
Earlier, the accused arrived at the Klang Court complex at about 8.50 am in handcuffs, escorted by police officers.
Meanwhile, the victim’s wife, Nor Nadia Abdul Majid, 32, was present in court to follow the proceedings.
In the incident last Sunday, South Klang police Chief ACP Lim Jit Huey said the victim was killed after being struck by a car allegedly driven at high speed and in a dangerous manner in a crash on Jalan Raya Barat. – BERNAMA
