'I am sick due to ‘black magic’ - Inspector says after alleged hit-and-run charge

A POLICE inspector has been charged with attempted murder and multiple counts of dangerous and reckless driving after an incident in which a traffic officer was allegedly struck by a vehicle and injured in Kuala Lumpur on 10 April.

Muhammad Kamal Raj Shanmugam Abdullah, 40, was produced before the Sessions Court and the Magistrates’ Court in Kuala Lumpur today, where no plea was recorded.

The accused is facing eight charges in total, including attempted murder under Section 307 of the Penal Code and several offences under the Road Transport Act for dangerous and reckless driving.

In a brief exchange upon his court appearance, Harian Metro reported the accused saying, “I am sick from ‘black magic’, I don’t remember.”

The court was informed that the inspector, who is single and reportedly suffering from schizophrenia, is alleged to have used a Perodua Axia to strike a traffic policeman at Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra at about 10.47 pm on 10 April. The officer then allegedly fled the scene.

The victim, Constable Roslan Salleh, 27, sustained injuries to his right palm, the back of his head and ribs while performing traffic control duties at the time of the incident.

Following the alleged collision, the suspect was later arrested in Chan Sow Lin after a police pursuit that began in Jalan Cheras.

He appeared in court in a red shirt and face mask, and was described as calm while in the dock, escorted under tight security by Criminal Investigation Department and traffic police officers.

Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said the suspect is suffering from schizophrenia and is currently on medical leave pending retirement.

The inspector is charged under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder, which carries a penalty of imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine, or up to 20 years’ imprisonment if the act results in grievous hurt.

He also faces seven additional charges under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless and dangerous driving. If convicted, the offences carry penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment and fines between RM5,000 and RM15,000 for a first offence, with heavier penalties for repeat offences.

The case remains before the courts. - April 16, 2026