{
  "id": 1651174,
  "title": "Drink-driving cop jailed eight years, fined RM40,000 over crash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/drink-driving-cop-jailed-eight-years-fined-rm40-000-over-crash",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-18T06:27:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/08/1513698/drink-driving-cop-jailed-eight-years-fined-rm40000-over-crash"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A police constable named Mohd Rizal Mohd Najar received a harsh eight-year jail sentence and RM40,000 fine on Friday for drunk driving that injured a motorcyclist in September. Magistrate Don Stiwin Malanjum found the prosecution's case beyond reasonable doubt, ordering the 46-year-old to serve an extra year if he cannot pay the fine. His license will be revoked for seven years, effective immediately. During the trial, the accused, who has 24 years of service and a spotless record, pleaded for leniency, citing his responsibilities for three children and two ill parents. Deputy prosecutor Wildan Firdaus Ahmad Fazly urged a deterrent sentence, emphasizing the accused's blood alcohol level of 245mg per 100ml, which exceeded the legal limit and posed a significant risk to road users.",
  "summary": "Photo by Abdul Rahemang Taiming",
  "key_points": [
    "46-year-old constable Mohd Rizal Mohd Najar jailed for eight years",
    "Fine of RM40,000 imposed for drunk driving crash in September",
    "License revoked for seven years, extra year if fine unpaid"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The severe sentence for the police constable with a spotless record suggests that drunk driving, especially by those in positions of responsibility, will be treated as a grave offence with serious consequences.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}