E-hailing driver claims trial to driving under influence of drugs, causing Maldivian student’s death on LDP

Muhamad Syafiq Ibrahim pleaded not guilty to all three charges, including driving under the influence of methamphetamine.

Cover image via Facebook & Faiz Anuar/New Straits Times

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The e-hailing driver accused of causing a crash that killed a 21-year-old Maldivian student has been charged with three offences, including driving under the influence of methamphetamine

Muhamad Syafiq Ibrahim, 37, pleaded not guilty in the Shah Alam Magistrate's Court today, 8 October, to driving a Perodua Ativa under the influence of methamphetamine and causing the death of Aamina Imeely Nazim, a student from Taylor's University.

He also claimed trial to a second charge of driving under the influence of methamphetamine, causing injuries to another 22-year-old Maldivian passenger, Aishath Sara Nizam, who survived the crash with injuries.

Both charges were framed under Section 44 of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Muhamad Syafiq also pleaded not guilty to a third charge of driving without due care and attention, resulting in a collision with another vehicle and causing injuries to Aishath.

The offences were allegedly committed around 8.40pm on 4 October, along the Damansara-Puchong Highway near the Puchong Selatan toll plaza, heading towards Puchong, reported the New Straits Times.

He faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted

The charge under Section 44(1)(a) carries a jail term of between 10 and 15 years and a fine of between RM50,000 and RM100,000 upon conviction.

The second methamphetamine-related charge under Section 44(1A)(a) carries a jail term of between seven and 10 years and a fine of between RM30,000 and RM50,000.

The third charge under Section 43(1) carries a fine of between RM5,000 and RM10,000 and a jail term of up to 12 months.

The accused told Magistrate Muhammad Syafiq Sulaiman that he understood the charges and the penalties. He was brought to court after being held under a four-day remand order.

Muhamad Syafiq Ibrahim, 37, being escorted by police outside the court compound.

Image via Faiz Anuar/New Straits Times

Driver says he earns RM2,000 a month

Deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Alia Anisa Khairus Masnan asked the court to set bail at RM10,000 with one surety for each charge.

Muhamad Syafiq's lawyer, Rohan Singh, sought a lower amount, saying his client earns about RM2,000 a month as an e-hailing driver and supports his wife, their two children aged 3 and 4, as well as his 63-year-old mother, who suffers from asthma and requires medical treatment.

Rohan also told the court that his client was not a flight risk as he had a permanent address and had cooperated with police throughout the investigation.

"He did not attempt to abscond. His wife is the proposed bailor, and she will ensure that he attends future court proceedings," he said.

The magistrate subsequently granted Muhamad Syafiq bail of RM3,000 for each charge, totalling RM9,000 with one surety. The court also ordered the suspension of his driving licence pending the outcome of the case.

The case will be mentioned again on 8 December.