Segamat: The trailer driver involved in the crash that resulted in the deaths of three family members at KM212 of the Johor Bahru-Seremban Road, near the Taman Golden Hill junction in Gemas Baharu last week, was brought before the Magistrate's Court today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the accused, Muhamad Shafiq Salleh, 29, acknowledged the charge read before Magistrate Amalina Johar without entering a plea, as the case will be handled by the High Court. The charge sheet alleges that he caused the deaths of K Myakrishnan, 72, his wife S Sevendai, 65, and Sevendai's brother S Palamiandy, 75, at approximately 3.50 pm on April 2.

Charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, the accused faces the death penalty or a prison sentence ranging from 30 to 40 years. Should the death penalty not be applied, a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane is mandatory. The court denied bail and scheduled May 21 for a case mention to allow time for the submission of various reports, including post-mortem, medical, forensic, pathology, and Puspakom.

Three individuals died in the incident, including a married couple, while two others sustained injuries when a trailer collided with the rear of their van at the Taman Golden Hill junction. Transport Minister Anthony Loke has instructed the Road Transport Department and the Land Public Transport Agency to immediately audit and investigate the trailer operator. Loke emphasized the need for stringent measures, holding the company accountable for not supervising its driver, who tested positive for methamphetamine.