Opposition Perikatan Nasional vows support for family of truck driver in fatal Penang incident

The driver in Malaysia involved in a traffic collision that led to the death of a woman in Penang did not make bail, but his family will receive support from the opposition Perikatan Nasional coalition.

This is despite his gesture during a court proceeding over a police remand order, which seemed to indicate his lack of remorse.

Deadly collision

On Nov. 13, 2024, the driver of a trailer truck in Penang made a sharp turn, causing the container on the trailer to fall off.

It crushed multiple vehicles and trapped 21-year-old Lee Zi Rou in her car.

In her final moments, Lee managed to call her mother, crying out that "it hurts so much", before dying.

Another man, 25-year-old Tan Chou Teng, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Reporter flashed peace sign, accused of not showing remorse

When the driver, Marhizan Johari, arrived at the Bukit Mertajam Magistrate’s Court Complex a few days later, he "casually" flashed the "peace sign" to the reporters gathered there, according to a report by Sinar Harian.

He was subsequently charged for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving on Nov. 18, The Star reported.

Marhizan pleaded not guilty.

The 51-year-old was then denied bail, after the prosecution pointed out his earlier act of showing the "peace sign" as an indication that he was not remorseful for his actions.

Perikatan Nasional offers support

Marhizan's case was then brought up in the Dewan Rakyat (Malaysian parliament) by Takiyuddin Hassan, a former minister in the Ismail Sabri Yaakob government, and a current member of the opposition Perikatan Nasional coalition.

Takiyuddin said that Malaysia's prison capacity was being taken up by people who are remanded in prisons while facing trial.

He then said his party would pledge their support to Marhizan's family while he is being held in remand.

"A lorry driver with a small income was not allowed bail. Who is going to support his family? We, Perikatan Nasional, will offer assistance to the family of this lorry driver," Takiyuddin said.

Perikatan Nasional's pledge drew some criticism from Malaysian netizens.

In a thread on popular Malaysian forum Lowyat.net, some users accused PN of politicising the issue.

One user said, "Negligent driving and even show V sign show he didn't feel guilty, PN use this as political tactic to gain peoples' hearts? The driver's irresponsible behaviour causing his family's lost income."

Top image from Malaysia Parliament YouTube and Bandar Perda Fire and Rescue Station.