Technician Claims Trial to Reckless Driving Charge Over Fatal Pekan Crash

PEKAN, Aug 3 — A 31-year-old technician pleaded not guilty in the Pekan Magistrate’s Court today to a reckless driving charge connected to a tragic three-vehicle collision that claimed the lives of three people, including a toddler and a doctor, in June.

Syed Muhammad Izzat Aiman Syed Ahmad entered his plea after the charge was read out before Magistrate Melody Woon Sze Mun. He is accused of driving an Isuzu D-Max recklessly at Kilometre 67 of Jalan Kuantan-Segamat at 5:30 pm on June 19. The incident resulted in the deaths of 33-year-old Mohamad Zekry Zuhairy Mohd Atan, two-year-old Dhea Sofia Mohamad Zekry Zuhairy, and 46-year-old Azaharuddin Mohd Ali.

The charge was framed under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. If convicted, the accused faces a minimum of five years and up to 10 years in prison, alongside a fine ranging from RM20,000 to RM50,000.

During the proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Kamisah Ismail urged the court to set bail at RM15,000 and to suspend the accused’s driving licence pending the disposal of the case. In mitigation, defence lawyer Muhamad Izwan Ishak appealed for a lower sum, pointing out that his client earns a modest monthly salary of RM1,500 and is currently supporting a wife who is three months pregnant.

Magistrate Woon ultimately allowed bail at RM7,000 with one surety and ordered the immediate suspension of the accused’s driving licence until the case concludes. As an additional condition, Syed Muhammad Izzat Aiman is required to report to the Muadzam Shah Police Station in Rompin every Wednesday at 9:00 am. The court has fixed September 18 for the next case mention and the submission of documents.

–NMT