Widow of crash victim seeks civil action as murder charge brings partial relief

THE widow of a motorcyclist killed in a violent road collision has signalled plans to pursue civil action against the accused driver, even as she expresses guarded relief that prosecutors have filed a murder charge over the incident.

Nurul Nadia Abdul Majid said the decision to charge the 28-year-old suspect under Section 302 of the Penal Code, rather than a lesser traffic offence, marked an important step towards justice following the death of her husband, Amirul Hafiz Omar.

“First and foremost, thank God. I feel a little relieved today. There is only one thing I want to say: a life for a life,” she said after proceedings at the Magistrate’s Court in Klang today.

Her lawyer, Mohd Faizi Che Abu, confirmed that the family is considering filing a civil suit that could amount to RM1 million, although the final figure has yet to be determined.

He stressed that compensation claims must be grounded in legal principles rather than emotion.

“In law, we cannot claim compensation based on emotion because there are calculations involved, including the victim’s income and family dependants,” he said, adding that discussions with his client are ongoing to determine an appropriate sum based on established legal precedents.

The criminal case centres on allegations that the accused, R. Saktygaanapathy, caused the death of Amirul Hafiz, 33, at Jalan Raya Barat at approximately 11.47 a.m. on 29 March.

During the court proceedings, the accused reportedly nodded in understanding as the charge was read. If convicted, he faces the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years, along with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane if not sentenced to death.

For the victim’s family, the legal developments offer only partial solace.

Nurul Nadia described how the court’s decision had helped ease her grief, allowing her to process the loss with greater composure.

“This decision somewhat soothes the grief and allows me to accept the truth with a clearer mind,” she said.

She also spoke of the emotional strain on their children, who continue to struggle with their father’s absence.

“I hope my children can be strong, and that they do not feel guilty or burdened by the absence of their father,” she said, revealing that they still sleep holding their father’s shirt.

The family plans to return to their hometown in Batu Kurau, Perak as they begin to rebuild their lives.

The late Amirul Hafiz leaves behind his wife and three young children, aged nine, seven and two.

His death, reportedly caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol and drugs, has intensified public concern over reckless driving and the adequacy of legal consequences for fatal road incidents.

The case now unfolds on two fronts, criminal prosecution and a potential civil claim, reflecting a broader demand for accountability and justice that extends beyond punishment to include restitution for those left behind. - April 1, 2026