Abroad
M'sian man sentenced to 1 day jail for driving against traffic, dies shortly after paying fine
The man had suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes.
May 01, 2026, 12:14 PM
Image via Sin Chew
A man in Malaysia was fined and jailed for a day for driving against traffic, only to pass away the same day as he was released.
Driving against traffic
According to Sin Chew, Lu Xun, a Chinese national who has resided in Malaysia for about 30 years, was brought to court in Sungai Petani Magistrate’s Court in Kedah on Apr. 30.
Lu was facing charges for causing a car accident after driving against traffic on the evening of Apr. 26, when he crossed into the opposing lane and collided with another vehicle.
For this, he had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving in court on Apr. 30, and was fined RM10,000 (S$3,200), and sentenced to a day in prison.
His driving license was also suspended for two years.
Taken to court in a wheelchair
Lu had been taken to court in the morning by a police vehicle, where Sin Chew reported he had been slumped inside the vehicle, and required a wheelchair in order to make his court appearance.
He was described as “emotionally unstable”, and his daughter had accompanied and comforted him while in court.
A video by Sin Chew showed Lu being taken out of the court building in a wheelchair by police, where his daughter had rushed to him out of concern, inquiring about his condition.
He could be seen trying to reassure her, saying that there was "no issue", despite looking visibly unwell.
Rushed to hospital
Lu was released the same day after paying his fine, but after leaving the Magistrate’s Court, he reportedly felt ill and was taken to the hospital, where his condition worsened, eventually passing away.
Lu’s lawyer told Sin Chew that Lu had felt extremely unwell after being released and was rushed to the hospital.
Lu had been suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure, and his condition had recently worsened.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, it was ultimately too late to save his life, and it was confirmed by local police that Lu had passed away late in the afternoon of the same day he was released.
