Cover image via Asrol Awang/New Straits TimesFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
The family of a 4-year-old boy who was killed after being hit by a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) at a housing area in Kuantan has urged the driver to come forward and apologise
The victim, Muhammad Zulfan Adwa Mohd Zulkifli, was cycling near Surau Pak Mahat around 6.30pm on Monday, 27 October, when he was struck by a Perodua Alza driven by a 32-year-old man, according to the New Straits Times.
The boy was rushed to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital but died from severe injuries at 2.24am on 28 October.
His grandmother, Ruslina Mambong, 52, said the driver should take responsibility and at least make an effort to meet the family.
According to Ruslina, the family has yet to hear from the driver since the incident.
She said he neither visited the hospital to check on her grandson nor met the family to explain what happened.
"Everyone was focused on my grandson's condition after the accident and did not pay attention to the driver. We were later informed that he had lodged a police report," she said when met after Zulfan Adwa's burial.
The victim was described as an affectionate and lively boy
"He always wanted to sleep in my arms and was very close to me. We shared the same birthday month in April," said Ruslina, who lives with her daughter Nur Aisha Sofea Abdul Mubin, 25.
Meanwhile, Nur Aisha said that while nothing can bring her son back, she hopes the driver will make the effort to face the family.
"There is no use being angry. Everything is over… my son is gone," she said, showing a photo of Zulfan Adwa in an army uniform.
The driver has been released on police bail after giving his statement
According to Kuantan police chief ACP Ashari Abu Samah, the driver was travelling alone from the Pak Mahat housing area towards Jalan Tanjung Lumpur when the crash happened.
As he approached a junction and turned left, he reportedly failed to notice hitting the boy, who was believed to be riding in the middle of the road.
Police are investigating the case under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving, an offence that carries a maximum of 10 years in jail and a RM50,000 fine.
