Wrong-Way Drunk Driving Turns Deadly: Klang Man Charged with Murder

KLANG: A 28-year-old technician has been charged with murder following a fatal crash in Klang that claimed the life of a motorcyclist last Sunday.

Saktygaanapathy Ravichandran appeared before the Magistrate’s Court, where he was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for the death of 33-year-old Amirul Hafiz Omar. The charge carries a mandatory death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years, along with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.

No plea was recorded, as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court. The accused acknowledged understanding the charge when it was read out.

In a separate charge, Saktygaanapathy pleaded guilty to consuming prohibited substances, including benzodiazepines and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The offense carries a fine of up to RM5,000 or a maximum jail term of two years.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:40am along Jalan Raya Barat, where the accused allegedly drove against the flow of traffic before colliding with Amirul’s motorcycle. The impact was severe, throwing the victim into the air before he landed on the roof of a passing car.

Amirul, a father of three, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The case was heard before Magistrate Khartiyayini Ambualagan, with Deputy Public Prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin representing the prosecution. The accused was not represented by legal counsel.

The victim’s wife was present in court during the proceedings as the case moves forward to the High Court for further action.