Underage Driver Granted Bail Over Fatal Crash That Killed 5, Father Fined RM15,000
The crash occurred when the teenager allegedly sped and lost control of a Proton Saga before veering into oncoming traffic.
Cover image via Alverdtekoster Anyap/Sarawak TribuneA 15-year-old boy behind the wheel in a horrific crash that killed five people in Kuching earlier this year has been granted bail by the Kuching Magistrate's Court today, 14 May
The teenager, who allegedly drove a Proton Saga without a licence and crashed into several vehicles, faces a charge of reckless driving that caused the deaths of five individuals aged between 16 and 42.
The tragic collision occurred on 14 January at around 12.50pm along Jalan Teo Kui Seng-Stutong Baru.
In light of the severity of the incident, the court granted the teenager RM5,000 bail, under the custody of his parents. Magistrate Ling Hui Chuan fixed 17 June for the next mention of the case.
The teenager is escorted by police to the Kuching Court's bail payment counter.
Image via Allan Jay/Sarawak Tribune
Meanwhile, the boy's father has been sentenced
In a separate courtroom, the boy's 35-year-old father, Akie Suma, pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 33(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for allowing his underage son to drive unsupervised.
The Kuching Magistrate's Court fined him RM15,000, with a default sentence of 12 months in jail if he fails to pay. He was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service over a six-month period.
Neither the father nor the son had legal representation.
Akie Suma, 35, at the Kuching Magistrate's Court today, 14 May.
Image via Mohd Roji Kawi/Harian Metro
One of the victims killed in the crash, Wan Khairul Nizam Wan Abdul Kadir, leaves behind five children aged between 6 and 19. His widow, Jamilah Hassan, was present in court and called for accountability.
"We lost the head of our family — the only breadwinner — because of the parents' negligence. They let their son, who is clearly underage, drive a vehicle. Now our lives are in hardship," she said.
The crash involved multiple vehicles: a Toyota Altis, a Proton Saga, and two motorcycles. The teen's car reportedly veered into the opposite lane at high speed, slamming into the other road users.
