Taiwanese man claims trial to driving under influence in crash that injures cop

Malaysian authorities are investigating a Taiwanese karaoke center owner for driving under the influence and causing injuries to a police officer. Wei Fu-Chun, 52, appeared in court on November 6, pleading not guilty to charges related to the incident. He was driving a Mercedes-Benz along Jalan Tun Sambanthan on October 31 when he allegedly crashed into Corporal Samsul Rahimi Sapari, 42, who was part of the entourage of Negri Sembilan's Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

The charge, under Section 44(1A)(a) of the Road Transport Act, can result in a prison term ranging from seven to 10 years and a fine of RM30,000 to RM50,000 upon conviction. Wei entered his plea before magistrate Aliaa Anwar, and the deputy public prosecutor, Nurbatrisyia Mohd Razib, declined to grant bail due to concerns about Wei's status as a foreigner without a permanent address in Malaysia.

Defense lawyer Thayalan Moorthy stated that he would await further instructions from Wei before filing a bail application. The incident occurred when Samsul was returning from his duty in the city Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department's motorcycle unit. Wei allegedly fled the scene but was subsequently apprehended by another police officer.

A breathalyzer test on Wei came back negative for alcohol, but drugs believed to be ecstasy were found in the vehicle.