‘No leniency, no mercy’: Family demands justice over Immigration lorry crash that killed three on Jalan Sultan Ismail

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 — Bereaved family members of three victims killed in an Immigration Department lorry crash in Jalan Sultan Ismail are demanding swift and strict justice, with no room for leniency or bias towards the driver despite his civil service status. The victims, Shaik Mohd Firdaus Shaikh Yahya, 53, and his daughters Siti Nor Sazlin, 25, and Siti Darwisyah Auni, 12, perished at the scene when the empty lorry, en route to Chow Kit for an immigration operation, allegedly ran a red light, collided with a Proton Saga, and subsequently struck the family and a nearby Inokom Matrix.

The lone survivor, Firdaus' wife Norhayati Rozali, 55, is hospitalized and undergoing surgery for severe injuries, including the insertion of metal supports in her ribs.

Family spokesperson Azlan Rozali, 48, spoke on behalf of the grieving clan, emphasizing the need for a prompt resolution and a fitting punishment for the driver, who remains in custody. Despite acknowledging the driver's government position, Azlan stressed that such status should not influence the judicial process, requesting the authorities to ensure no special treatment or bias.

The family is contemplating a civil suit against the driver. Azlan shared that Firdaus made regular visits to Kuala Lumpur to see his ailing mother before the fatal incident occurred.

Mohd Akbar Zainol, the 43-year-old driver, faced five charges at the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court, including causing death by reckless or dangerous driving and injury to Norhayati through careless driving. If convicted, he could face up to five to 10 years imprisonment, a fine ranging from RM20,000 to RM50,000, and a prohibition on obtaining a driving license for five years.

Bail was set at RM12,000 for each charge, and Akbar's driving license was suspended until the trial concludes. The next court hearing is scheduled for October 27.