KUALA LUMPUR – The trailer driver involved in a crash that killed three family members at KM212 of the Johor Bahru–Seremban Road, near Taman Golden Hill in Gemas Baharu last week, was charged at the Segamat Magistrate’s Court today.
Muhamad Shafiq Salleh, 29, appeared before Magistrate Amalina Johar and nodded in understanding as the charge was read. No plea was recorded, as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
The charge sheet states that Muhamad Shafiq allegedly caused the deaths of K Myakrishnan, 72, his wife S Sevendai, 65, and Sevendai’s brother S Palamiandy, 75, at 3.50 pm on April 2. He faces prosecution under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries either the death penalty or 30 to 40 years’ imprisonment.
Should the death penalty not be imposed, the convicted person is also liable to a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane. No bail was granted, and the court scheduled May 21 for a case mention to allow for the submission of post-mortem, medical, forensic, pathology, and Puspakom reports.
Deputy public prosecutor Nur ‘Aina Muhammad Ismail Tadj represented the prosecution, while the accused appeared without legal representation.
The accident involved a trailer colliding with the rear of a van carrying the victims, resulting in three fatalities, including a married couple, and injuries to two others.
Following the incident, Transport Minister Anthony Loke instructed the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to carry out an immediate audit and investigation into the trailer operator.
“Strict action must be taken, including holding the company accountable for failing to monitor its driver’s conduct,” Loke said, noting that the driver had tested positive for methamphetamine. – April 7, 2026