SUNGAI PETANI: A lorry driver has pleaded not guilty in a Magistrate’s Court here on a charge of driving under the influence of drugs resulting in a road crash that caused the death of a policeman.

       Hairul Azman Abdullah, 40, claimed trial before Magistrate Nadhirah Abdul Rahim on Monday (Dec 27).

       He was charged with driving a lorry while under the influence of methamphetamine, causing him to be unable to control the vehicle resulting in a road crash that caused the death of Muhamad Aziem Azman, who was driving a car.

       The crash occurred at KM79.5 (northbound) of the North-South Expressway at 2.09am on Friday (Dec 24).

       The charge was framed under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which provides for imprisonment for up to 15 years, a maximum fine of RM100,000 and being disqualified from holding a driving licence for 10 years, if found guilty.

       The court, in setting Jan 26 for mention, allowed Hairul Azman bail of RM6,000 with one surety and also ordered him to report to the nearest police station once a month.

       Inspector Syed Ahmad Ridzuan Syed Zainol Abidin from the Kuala Muda district police headquarters prosecuted, while Tengku Hezrul Anuar Tengku Abdul Samad from the National Legal Aid Foundation represented Hairul Azman.

       Muhamad Aziem, 34, from the Perlis General Operations Force, died at the scene, while his wife, a teacher, was injured. Their four-year-old son, who was also in the car, escaped unhurt. – Bernama