{
  "id": 2074242,
  "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-2074242",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-20T04:42:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "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": "Akbar Zainol, a 43-year-old immigration department driver, appeared in a Malaysian court to face five charges related to a fatal crash that occurred on Jalan Sultan Ismail. The collision, which took place around 1am on August 19, resulted in the deaths of Shaik Firdaus Shaik Yahya, 52; Siti Norshazlin Shaik Firdaus, 24; and Siti Darwisyah Shaik Firdaus, 12.\n\nZainol is alleged to have driven the immigration truck with reckless disregard for safety, leading to the tragic loss of life. If convicted, he could face anywhere from five to ten years in prison and a fine of RM20,000 to RM50,000 under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act.\n\nIn addition to the reckless driving charge, Zainol is also accused of careless and inconsiderate driving, which resulted in injuries to Nor Hayati Rozali, 54. This offense, under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, carries a penalty of a fine ranging from RM5,000 to RM10,000 and up to 12 months in prison.\n\nFurthermore, Zainol faces a charge of running a red light, as outlined in Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act. This violation can result in a fine between RM300 and RM2,000 upon conviction.",
  "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."
}