.jpg)
TAWAU: A foreign woman who drove dangerously, resulting in the death of her best friend in an accident, was jailed 30 months and fined RM5,000 or six months’ jail.
Magistrate Dayang Aidaku Amira Aminuddin meted out the sentence to Risna, 26, who pleaded guilty to the charge against her, Tuesday.
Risna had driven a borrowed Proton Saga dangerously, which resulted in the accident and caused the death of her best friend at Batu 16, Jalan Apas, here, at 3pm on Aug 26, this year.
She was charged under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333/87), which provides for imprisonment of up to five years and fine of between RM5,000 and RM15,000, upon conviction.
According to the facts of the case, Risna was driving the car from Semporna to Tawau on the day of the incident, with the victim, Nur Diana Watih, 24, seated in the front passenger seat.
Upon reaching a straight stretch at Batu 16, Jalan Apas, Risna was believed to have been driving at high speed before losing control of the vehicle. The car skidded off the road before hitting a tree and an earth embankment, causing it to overturn.
The victim was pronounced dead while receiving treatment at the Tawau Hospital Emergency Unit at 9.30pm on the same day.
Risna was discharged from the ward on Aug 28, 2026, after sustaining non-serious injuries.
Tawau District Police Headquarters Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division (BSPT) prosecuting officer ASP Joan Lee urged the court to impose a heavy sentence in the interests of justice and public safety.
She said the punishment was not merely intended to penalise the accused but also to send a clear message that dangerous and reckless driving resulting in tragic accidents and loss of life would not be tolerated.
“The deceased was 24 years old and left behind a child aged two years and five months at the time of the incident,” she said.
Joan added that Risna had previously been charged under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 on Sept 9 and fined RM4,000, or four months’ jail in default, for not possessing valid documents.
The accused was subsequently referred to the Immigration Department and detained at a Temporary Detention Centre (PTS) after paying the fine.
Counsel Jhassary P. Kang, representing Risna, applied for a lighter sentence, saying his client was an unemployed housewife who had shown remorse and promised not to repeat the offence.
He also submitted that this was her first offence.
