Singaporean pleads not guilty to causing death in Maserati crash on Second Link

A Singaporean civil servant has pleaded not guilty to causing the death of a motorcyclist in a road accident on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Expressway (Linkedua).

The accused, Irshad Abdul Hameed, 27, was charged in the Johor Bahru Magistrates’ Court on 15 May, less than a week after the fatal incident.

Fatal crash on 9 May

The collision occurred on 9 May at around 6.40pm at kilometre 0.6 of the expressway, close to the Malaysia-Singapore border.

Irshad is accused of making an illegal U-turn while driving a luxury Maserati. He allegedly lost control and crashed into a road barrier. The impact dislodged the barrier and left debris scattered in the path of oncoming vehicles.

A motorcyclist, A Vasanthraj, 32, who was riding from the opposite direction, struck the fallen barrier. According to police, he was flung onto the shoulder of the road and sustained fatal injuries.

Iskandar Puteri police chief Kumarasan confirmed that Vasanthraj died at the scene. He cited severe trauma to the head and left leg as the causes of death.

The Maserati came to a stop by the roadside after the crash, with its occupants unharmed.

Confrontation at the scene

Following the accident, videos circulated on social media showing a group of motorcyclists confronting the Maserati. Some were seen smashing its windscreen and windows with helmets.

Police officers intervened quickly to control the situation. They shielded the vehicle’s occupants and escorted them away from the scene for safety.

The footage, widely shared online, fuelled public anger and calls for justice for the victim.

Court proceedings in Johor Bahru

Irshad appeared before magistrate Nur Fatin Farid on 15 May. The charge was read under Section 41(1) of Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987, which criminalises causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM50,000 (approximately S$14,300), and a mandatory driving licence suspension of at least five years.

Irshad, represented by defence lawyers Baharudin Baharim and Zarina Ismail Tom, entered a plea of not guilty.

Deputy public prosecutor Amirah Tasnim Saleh is leading the prosecution.

Bail conditions imposed

The court granted Irshad bail of RM12,000 (about S$3,430) with two Malaysian sureties. Additional conditions were imposed to ensure compliance.

These include mandatory monthly check-ins at a local police station and the suspension of his driving licence until the case is resolved.

The next mention of the case and submission of case documents has been fixed for 10 June.

Legal context of the charge

Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 is among Malaysia’s toughest provisions for road offences. It is typically applied in cases where reckless or dangerous driving leads to fatalities.

Convictions often result in custodial sentences, with courts emphasising deterrence to address rising concerns over road safety.

The charge against Irshad reflects the severity of the outcome, with prosecutors alleging that his driving manoeuvre directly caused Vasanthraj’s death.

Victim identified as 32-year-old motorcyclist

Police identified the victim as A Vasanthraj, 32. He was riding along the expressway when he collided with debris from the Maserati crash.

Authorities have not released further personal details about Vasanthraj, but reports described him as unable to avoid the fallen barrier.

The impact of the crash and subsequent fall inflicted fatal injuries. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

Case draws regional attention

The incident has attracted significant attention in both Malaysia and Singapore due to its cross-border context and the involvement of a Singaporean civil servant.

Social media commentary has highlighted frustrations over reckless driving and demanded accountability.

The violent response by motorcyclists at the scene has also raised questions about road rage and public order in the aftermath of traffic accidents.

Malaysian authorities have urged the public to allow the legal process to take its course.