BUKIT MERTAJAM, Nov 18 — A trailer driver pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate's Court today to a charge of reckless driving that resulted in the death of a woman last week.
Marhizan Johari, 51, entered the plea after the charge was read to him before Magistrate Mohd Harith Mohd Mazlan.
According to the charge sheet, the accused, as the driver of a Volvo trailer, drove in a manner dangerous to the public, causing the death of driver Lee Zi Rou, 21.
He allegedly committed the offence along Jalan Kebun Sireh at 9.30am on Wednesday (November 13).
Marhizan was charged under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which provides for imprisonment of between five and 10 years, as well as a fine of no less than RM20,000 and not more than RM50,000, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Zulfadzly Hassan did not offer bail for the accused, citing public interest as the case had garnered significant attention, especially on social media.
"Furthermore, the accused showed no remorse or guilt when he made a 'peace' gesture towards media personnel taking his photo during the remand application," he said.
The accused was not represented by a lawyer.
The court denied him and set January 24, 2025, for the submission of chemical, post-mortem, and Puspakom reports.
Earlier, Bernama reported that a woman was killed and a man seriously injured after their cars were crushed by a container that fell off a trailer in a five-vehicle accident on November 13.
— Bernama
