AT A GLANCE
- A fatal accident in Jalan Ampang involving a local couple has been reclassified as murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
- The 24-year-old suspect was arrested after being discharged from hospital and is remanded until May 11.
- The victims, aged 61 and 56, died at the scene after their motorcycle was rammed from behind by a car suspected to be driven under the influence.
KUALA LUMPUR - The investigation into a tragic collision that claimed the lives of a married couple at Jalan Ampang last Saturday has taken a significant legal turn. Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that the case is no longer being treated as a traffic offence but as a capital crime.
Murder probe initiated
The case was initially investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless driving. However, police have now reclassified the matter under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment for murder.
The shift in legal strategy follows allegations that the 24-year-old driver was under the influence of alcohol during the early morning crash.
Suspect in custody
Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa stated that the suspect was taken into custody immediately after being cleared by medical professionals.
The man had been receiving treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital for injuries sustained during the impact.
Following his discharge on Monday, the suspect provided a statement at the Jalan Tun HS Lee Traffic Police Station before being moved to the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters lockup. He has been remanded for seven days until May 11 to facilitate further questioning.
Fatal early morning collision
The incident occurred at 5.34am on Saturday when a 61-year-old motorcyclist and his 56-year-old wife were travelling along Jalan Ampang. A Toyota Vios, reportedly losing control, rammed the back of their Honda Wave Alpha. Both victims succumbed to severe head injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
While the driver and one passenger required intensive care in the hospital's Red Zone, a second passenger escaped with minor injuries and has since cooperated with the police.
Zamzuri added that the investigation paper will be submitted to the Kuala Lumpur Deputy Public Prosecutor's Office shortly for further instructions.