17-06-2025
Teen gets 6 years at Henry Gurney School over fatal crash in Kuching
The Kuching magistrates' court sentenced the teen after receiving a report from the social welfare department and submissions from deputy public prosecutor Fillanny Siji. (File pic)
PETALING JAYA : A 15-year-old boy in Kuching, Sarawak, was ordered to undergo six years of rehabilitation at Henry Gurney School for causing the death of five people in a road crash earlier this year.
Bernama reported that magistrate Ling Hui Chuan also fined him RM1,500 or two months' imprisonment in default, for driving while under the legal age for driving.
The sentence was handed down after the Kuching magistrates' court received a report from the social welfare department and submissions from deputy public prosecutor Fillanny Siji.
The teenager, who was unrepresented, pleaded guilty on May 14 to two charges under Sections 41(1) and 39(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving, and for driving while under the age of 16.
Fillanny said the prosecution had sought a custodial sentence in light of the loss of five lives, adding that such cases should serve as a deterrent amid the rising number of road accidents in Kuching.
On May 14, the boy's 35-year-old father also pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 33(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for permitting his son to drive without proper supervision.
He was fined RM15,000, in default 12 months imprisonment, and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service within six months.
On Jan 14, the teenager lost control of the vehicle he was driving and crashed into two cars and two motorcycles along Jalan Stutong Baru, Kuching.
Four people died on the spot, while another died of his injuries while receiving treatment at the Sarawak Hospital.
