Trailer driver pleads not guilty to causing death of woman in Penang accident

A trailer driver accused of causing the death of a 21-year-old woman in Penang, Malaysia, pleaded not guilty to a charge of dangerous driving.

Marhizan Johari, 51, faces the charge under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of RM50,000 and a five-year driving suspension.

The plea was entered on Monday (18 Nov) at the Bukit Mertajam Court. Magistrate Mohd Harith Mazlan scheduled the case for mention on 24 January 2024.

The charge stems from a 13 November accident in which a container from Marhizan’s trailer toppled at a traffic junction on Jalan Bukit Tengah.

The container crushed a car driven by Lee Zi Rou, a 21-year-old clerk on her way to work.

The victim, in her final moments, managed to call her mother, saying, “Mummy, it hurts so much!” before succumbing to her injuries.

Another motorist, Tan Chou Theng, 25, was seriously injured when the container struck his car. He was rescued by passers-by and remains hospitalised.

According to local media, Marhizan allegedly lost control of the trailer while attempting a sharp left turn.

Prosecutors, led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Zulfadzly Hassan, argued against bail, citing public interest and a lack of remorse from the accused. The court granted the request to deny bail.

Public anger intensified when Marhizan made a peace sign to the media during his remand last week. The lack of legal representation for the accused has also drawn attention.

The victim’s mother, Lim Sheau Ling, 42, expressed her anguish, calling for justice.

Speaking to The Star, she said, “My daughter is gone, but I want justice for her. I don’t want anyone else to feel the pain we are going through.”

Lee Zi Rou was cremated on Sunday, 17 November, with hundreds attending the funeral to pay their respects.

The Malaysian government has extended support to the bereaved family.

Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong confirmed that the family would receive a one-time RM3,000 funeral benefit and RM913.50 in monthly payments through the Social Security Organisation (Sosco).

Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the trailer company’s operating licence could be suspended if investigations reveal safety violations. He has ordered the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident.