Warning: The video below is not for the weakhearted. Watch at your own risk.
Yesterday (6th April, Thursday), a 58-year-old woman was hit by a motorcyclist in a hit-and-run-incident at a pedestrian crossing in Burma Road near the Pulau Tikus police station in Penang. The incident was captured on a dashboard camera of a motorist who was waiting at the red light.
The victim, Foo Swee Wah, who is believed to be a coffeeshop operator, was crossing the road after the light had turned green for pedestrians. A speeding motorcyclist who ran the red light rammed into her at full speed, causing her to be thrown a few metres away. The impact was so great that the motorcyclist’s helmet was flung off his head but he sped away from the scene after colliding into her.
Foo Swee Wah, who sustained severe head injuries and a broken leg, was sent to the emergency ward of the Penang Hospital. She died at 8:45pm later that day.
A 12-second video of the incident, which was uploaded on Facebook, has since gone viral:
Netizens are up in arms over the above dashboard camera clip, with many calling for justice. Some even pointed out that it is still not safe for pedestrians to use crossings as motorcyclists and even motorists don’t stop as needed.
Meanwhile, The Star Online quoted George Town OCPD Asst Comm Mior Faridalathrash Wahid as saying, “We have identified the motorcycle’s registration number and are tracing the owner.” urging the motorcyclist to turn himself in.
ACP Mior Faridalathrash added that the case was being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act for reckless driving resulting in death. The offence carries a jail term of between two and 10 years, a fine of up to RM20,000, and suspension of the person’s driving licence.
UPDATE (7th April, 12:43pm):
According to The Star Online, the motorcyclist in a hit-and-run incident that caused the death of 58-year-old Foo Swee Wah has been arrested. OCPD Asst Comm Mior Faridalathrash Wahid confirmed that the suspect was arrested at Penang Hospital and later brought to the northeast district traffic police station.
Sources: 我们是马来西亚人 We are Malaysians, The Star Online (1), The Star Online (2) / Featured image: Video grab.
