{
  "id": 2073354,
  "title": "Immigration dept driver claims trial to killing 3 in Black Maria crash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/immigration-dept-driver-claims-trial-to-killing-3-in-black-maria-crash",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-20T04:42:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/20/immigration-dept-driver-claims-trial-to-killing-3-in-black-maria-crash"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Kuala Lumpur, a driver employed by the immigration department has pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from a tragic incident that claimed the lives of a father and his two daughters. Akbar Zainol, aged 43, appeared in the magistrates court to face five charges related to the fatal Black Maria crash on Jalan Sultan Ismail. The three primary charges detail his reckless driving, resulting in the deaths of Shaik Firdaus Shaik Yahya, 52; Siti Norshazlin Shaik Firdaus, 24; and Siti Darwisyah Shaik Firdaus, 12. These offenses occurred around 1am on August 19, and if convicted, Zainol could face a prison term of up to five to ten years and a fine ranging from RM20,000 to RM50,000, as outlined in Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act.\n\nIn addition to the charges of reckless driving, Zainol was also found guilty of careless and inconsiderate driving, which led to injuries to Nor Hayati Rozali, 54. This act under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act could result in a fine between RM5,000 and RM10,000 and a potential prison sentence of up to 12 months. Furthermore, Zainol was charged under Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act for running a red light, punishable by a fine between RM300 and RM2,000.",
  "summary": "Akbar Zainol also pleads not guilty to careless and inconsiderate driving and running a red light.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Police examine CCTV, dashcam footage to reconstruct deadly Immigration lorry crash on Jalan Sultan Ismail",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/police-examine-cctv-dashcam-footage-to-reconstruct-deadly-immigration",
        "published": "2026-08-20T01:35:13.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Immigration officer suspended over Black Maria crash that killed 3",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/immigration-officer-suspended-over-black-maria-crash-that-killed-3",
        "published": "2026-08-20T03:18:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Immigration “Black Maria” lorry driver suspended after crash kills father, 2 daughters in KL",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/immigration-black-maria-lorry-driver-suspended-after-crash-kills",
        "published": "2026-08-20T03:49:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Immigration lorry driver arrives in court over fatal Jalan Sultan Ismail crash [WATCH]",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/immigration-lorry-driver-arrives-in-court-over-fatal-jalan-sultan",
        "published": "2026-08-20T04:26:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}