Peace Gesture Sparks Outrage
Driver’s “peace” gesture in court fuels outrage; bail denied as public mourns victim of reckless driving incident in Bukit Mertajam.
Accused’s Behavior Fuels Backlash
BUKIT MERTAJAM: A trailer driver accused of reckless driving that led to a young woman’s death showed no remorse, prompting the Magistrate’s Court to deny him bail.
Prosecutor Zulfadzly Hassan told the court that the accused, Marhizan Johari, made a “peace” sign during his remand hearing, which further inflamed public anger after viral footage of the accident circulated online.
Court Prioritizes Public Sentiment
Although the law allows bail for such offences, magistrate Mohd Harith Mohd Mazlan deemed it inappropriate given the public interest and scheduled Jan 24 for the case’s next mention.
Details of the Incident
The victim, 21-year-old clerk Lee Zi Rou, died after a cargo container toppled onto her car. A second driver, 25-year-old Tan Chou Theng, sustained serious injuries but survived thanks to passers-by.
Potential Legal Repercussions
Marhizan faces charges under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which prescribes severe penalties, including jail time and a RM50,000 fine.
