MIRI: Police have arrested a local man in connection with a hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a pedestrian near KPJ Specialist Hospital last Thursday (Aug 7).
The 20-year-old suspect was taken into custody by the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division at 5.17 pm last Friday (Aug 8), following swift action based on public information.
Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said a Proton Saga was also seized to facilitate investigations.
“The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.
“Upon conviction, the offence provides for a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine up to RM50,000, as well as disqualification from holding a driving licence for at least five years,” he said.
Road users are advised to always practise courteous driving and obey traffic rules to prevent danger to others.
Members of the public are reminded not to speculate or spread false information that could disrupt investigation and cause confusion.
In a previous statement, Mohd Farhan said the incident happened at around 2 am when the 33-year-old victim and a colleague had earlier been drinking at a premises in Permyjaya and were walking home to Krokop, believed to be intoxicated.
“At some point, the victim was left walking alone. Upon reaching the traffic light area near a Petronas petrol station, the colleague realised the victim was no longer with him and later found him lying by the roadside.
“The victim was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was taken to Miri Hospital for further action,” he said.
