Drink-driving death in Malaysia spirals into race-baiting, inflames ethnic tensions
The case sparked social media comments about drink-driving and ‘always the same group of people’ when it came to car crashes
A horrific road crash in Malaysia’s port city of Klang that left a motorcyclist dead on Sunday has spiralled into racially charged commentary after initially being treated as a drink-driving case.
Police said the crash happened at about 11.40am on Jalan Raya Barat, when an allegedly speeding Honda City driven by a local man in his twenties overtook several vehicles, crossed into the opposite lane and struck a motorcycle coming from the other direction.
The rider, a local man in his thirties, was flung onto another car and died at the scene. The Honda driver later tested positive for alcohol and drugs and was detained for investigation.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offence and endangers the safety of oneself and other road users,” South Klang Police Assistant Commissioner Lim Jit Huey said in a statement. “The public is advised to always obey road laws, drive prudently and practise consideration while on the road.”
The case is being investigated under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a jail term of 10 to 15 years and a fine of 50,000 ringgit (US$12,459) to 100,000 ringgit upon conviction.
Lim said a four-day remand until April 2 was approved for the suspect, according to local media.