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A 61-YEAR-OLD man was charged in court on Friday over the death of an eight-year-old primary school pupil who was fatally struck by a van outside Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Maimon in Parit Sulong earlier this week.
The accused, Nordin Ithnin, appeared before Magistrate Arun Noval Dass at the Batu Pahat Magistrates’ Court, where he was charged under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Amendment 2020) for allegedly driving recklessly in a manner that caused the death of Year Two pupil Nur Aini Umairah Mohd Fareez.
The incident allegedly occurred at approximately 12.30pm on 5 May in front of the school compound.
Under the provision, those convicted may face a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine not exceeding RM50,000.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Firdaus Ruslan led the prosecution, while the accused was represented by lawyer Tan Song Yan from the National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK).
Nordin, a father of six, pleaded not guilty to the charge after the prosecution sought bail of RM10,000.
The court later granted bail at RM5,000 and fixed 25 June for case mention, document submission and the appointment of defence counsel.
Magistrate Arun also ordered the accused to report to the nearest police station once a month and suspended his driving licence with immediate effect under Section 41(5) of the same Act.
According to investigation findings presented in court, the collision occurred as the accused was attempting to drive the van out of the school compound after delivering goods when the vehicle allegedly struck the victim, who was walking near the school gate.
The child suffered severe head injuries and internal trauma as a result of the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical team from the Parit Sulong Health Clinic.
The case has sparked widespread sympathy and renewed public discussion surrounding road safety measures outside schools following the tragic death of the young pupil. - May 8, 2026