University student to be charged over Kluang crash that killed four

KLUANG: A 19-year-old university student is expected to be charged at the magistrate's court this morning over a reckless driving incident that claimed the lives of four family members in June.

The suspect will face charges before magistrate Nurasidah A Rahman under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving recklessly and dangerously along Jalan Renggam-Simpang Renggam.

Under Section 42(1), an offender faces a maximum jail sentence of five years, a fine between RM5,000 and RM15,000, and disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving licence for at least two years upon conviction.

It is understood that the charge was framed after the investigation paper was completed by the Johor legal adviser's office and submitted to the prosecution for further action.

District police chief Assistant Commissioner Bahrin Mohd Noh had previously said the investigation paper concerning the suspect had been referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers.

On June 1, four family members were killed while two others were injured in a five-vehicle crash around 1.15pm in front of the Simpang Renggam prison.

The crash involved a Perodua Alza, Proton Wira, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Toyota Vios.

The deceased, who were all travelling in the Toyota Vios, were identified as Aiman Mohd Rashid, 36, Nor Azlina Abd Latip, 33, Semek Mat Soh, 73, and 10-year-old Nur Airish Syifa Sidek.

The accident was suspected to have been caused by the suspect, who was driving a Mercedes-Benz A250, and his 22-year-old brother, who was behind the wheel of a BMW 530, both allegedly speeding and driving recklessly.

However, the suspect's brother died while being taken to a private hospital for treatment.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar previously directed police to classify the investigation into the fatal crash as murder.

However, he said a final decision on the charges would only be determined after the AGC thoroughly examined the results of the police probe.