AN e-hailing driver appeared before the Magistrate’s Court in Kota Tinggi on Monday to face four charges of dangerous driving causing the deaths of three young men in October, as well as possession of contraband cigarettes.
The accused, Loo Chun Hao, 32, entered a plea of not guilty to all charges before Judge Hidayatul Syuhada Shamsudin, with the assistance of a court interpreter.
According to the prosecution, Loo is accused of driving a Toyota Fortuner recklessly at Kilometer 56 of the Senai-Desaru Expressway (SDE22) at 11.45 am on 11 October, resulting in the deaths of Muhammad Hafizhan Hanafi Norhaizal, 21; Fazrizal Izuan Zuhaimi, 20; and Muhammad Abdul Khalid Ab Rashid, 19.
He is charged under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to RM50,000 for each count if convicted.
In addition, Loo faces charges of possessing 24 cartons of assorted cigarettes, totalling 4,800 sticks valued at RM3,894, at the same time and location. He is charged under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, with penalties under Section 135(1)(i)(aa) including fines up to 20 times the duty value or RM500,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
The seized goods are dutiable under Regulation 10 of the Customs (Valuation) Regulations 1999.
Prosecuting officer Inspector Nor Ayu Hidayah Mohd Safri recommended bail of RM25,000 for all charges.
Loo’s lawyer, K Saravanan, requested a reduction on the grounds that his client is currently unable to work due to injuries sustained in the accident.
The defence also noted that Loo supports his 60-year-old mother, brother, and sister, and is undergoing ongoing treatment, including surgery for a leg injury.
The court approved bail of RM15,000 and set 6 February for the next case mention for document submission.
The tragic accident involved three vehicles, with two catching fire, at KM56, SDE22. Loo’s Toyota Fortuner, carrying the smuggled cigarettes, ignited in the collision, leaving him seriously injured.
The crash claimed the lives of the Fortuner driver and two passengers of a Volkswagen Golf SUV, with two fatalities occurring on site and one en route to Hospital Sultan Ismail, Johor Bahru. A fourth driver in a Honda CRV reportedly escaped unharmed.
The case underscores the severe consequences of reckless driving and the additional legal implications of smuggling contraband, as authorities pursue justice for the victims. - December 29, 2025
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