DIFFICULT questions are being asked in the aftermath of the Jalan Kuching road tragedy that claimed the life of five-year-old pre-schooler Asiah Ahmad Syahir.
When will meaningful action be taken by the authorities to properly punish reckless drivers? Why does it appear that sympathy for the victim is race-driven?
Add to this the question of compensation for the surviving victim(s) of the crash.
This was the point highlighted on Threads by NurulAkmar (@akmar_yahya) who claims to be the sibling of Ahmad Safwan Yahya who was one of the unfortunate victims in the crash.
It was reported that the brother had undergone treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital on Oct 13 to “stitch back torn skin from the scalp”.
“We’re waiting for further treatment for a broken left hip requiring surgery as well as a leaking left lung,” outlined the poster.
The post also expressed condolences to the family of the young accident victim who perished.
It was pointedly asked if the driver was under the influence of drugs and it was hoped that the investigation be done thoroughly to ebsure that justice is served.
Unable to contain his anger, this poster reminded the family of the BYD Seal driver that his younger brother will suffer from the physical trauma for life despite the surgeries being successful.
This was when the aggrieved elder brother asked just who was going to care of the family’s daily living expenses given his sibling was the sole breadwinner for his wife and three kids.
“I want you to think (including the family members of the BYD driver) of your actions of driving recklessly that has caused others to be victims,” he declared.
“I hope the courts will give a fair verdict as the dash cam evidence is clear.”
Editor’s Note: The BYD Seal driver identified as 24-year-old Raeven Goh Wey Haur was charged at the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court with three traffic offences under the Road Transport Act 1987 to which he has pleaded ‘not guilty’.
First and foremost was the shock of commenters at the vivid images of the crash where the motorcyclist identified as Ahmad Safwan could be seen flung into the air from the impact of the crash.
One commenter remarked that “he would never forget the images of the crash” while asking for a link for netizens to make donations for the stricken sibling.
As often during times of need, Malaysians were quick to offer help with many asking that a QR code be set up to facilitate donations.
However, the main call was for the victim(s) to take civil action against the errant driver. One commenter appealed to lawyers to provide free legal counsel to allow victims to seek necessary compensation which should amount to “RM10-15 mil to allow the victims’ families to cope with daily expenses”.
Aside from calls for retribution through the courts, the move to amend the relevant legislation was also applauded.
Few things to note about this tragic incident.
Firstly, Malaysians must stop treating road mishaps as 3R (race, religion and royalty) flashpoints. There have been numerous road tragedies involving various races where the (alleged) perpetrators were Malay and the victims, Chinese.
But it was NOT turned into a race row on those occasions.
Secondly, the public is crying out for stiffer punishment for reckless drivers, especially for those proven to be driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
There is a perception that too many offenders are getting away with a slap on the wrist.
Last but not least, it is always heartening to see Malaysians quickly reach into their pockets to help those in need.
It is hoped genuine efforts (as opposed to scams) will be able to raise sufficient funds to help the victims’ families – at the very least to negotiate the loss of income suffered by the victims of this needless tragedy. – Oct 18, 2026
Main image: gempak.com
