Driver in fatal Penang container crash pleads not guilty to dangerous driving, refused bail

SINGAPORE: Trailer driver killed in road accident 21-year-old woman in the Malaysian state of Penang pleaded not guilty to a charge of dangerous driving.

Margizan Johari, 51, is charged with causing death by careless or dangerous driving under section 41(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act 1987.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge on Monday (Nov 18) at the Bukit Mertajam Penang court, news outlet The Star reported.

Last Wednesday (November 13), a container from the trailer he was driving overturned and crushed Lee Z-Roo’s car. Margizan allegedly lost control of his car when he tried to make a sharp left turn at a traffic junction at Jalan Bukit Tengah.

The victim, an employee, was on her way to the office when the accident happened around 9:30 in the morning. Before her death, she managed to call her mother and say: “Mom, it hurts!”

According to local media reports, the container also crashed into another car driven by 25-year-old Tan Chow Teng, who was rescued by passers-by and is now hospitalized with serious injuries.

If convicted, Margisan could face up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of 50,000 ringgit ($11,160) and a five-year driving ban.

The court granted the request of the prosecutor’s office to refuse to release Margizan on bail. Deputy prosecutor Zulfadzla Hasan argued that the case was of public interest and that Margizan was unrepentant.

The accused, who does not have a lawyer, made the peace sign to the media when he was taken to court for remand last week, sparking public outrage.

Magistrate Mohd Harith Mazlan fixed January 24 next year to mention the case again.

Lee’s mother, Lim Shaw Ling, 42, told The Star on Saturday: “My daughter is no more, but I want justice for her, I don’t want anyone else to feel the pain we are going through.”

She added: “I can still hear her voice in my head.”

Human Resources Minister Stephen Sim Chee Keong visited the family to express his condolences and confirmed that the family will receive assistance from the State Social Security Organization (Sosco). This includes a one-time burial allowance of MYR 3,000 ($670) and MYR 913.50 in monthly payments.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the trailer company’s operating license could be suspended if it is found to be in breach of safety regulations.

He instructed the Malaysian Road Safety Research Institute to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation.

According to The Star, Ms Lee was cremated on Sunday (November 17) and hundreds of people paid their last respects.