This article is based on public news reports up to 1 November 2026. The accused has pleaded guilty but has not yet been sentenced, so we do not go beyond what was reported in court and do not name him.
On the morning of 22 October 2026, a car allegedly driven by a man under the influence of drugs swayed across the road, hit a motorcycle and crashed into a bridge wall on the Seremban–Kuala Pilah road, setting off a pile-up involving three cars and two motorcycles. On 28 October he pleaded guilty to seven charges in the Kuala Pilah court. This article explains each charge and what usually happens after a guilty plea.
Key Takeaways
- Causing injury while driving under the influence of drugs is an offence under Section 44 of the Road Transport Act 1987, with a minimum jail term.
- Under the 2020 amendments, a first offence of causing injury while under the influence carries 7 to 10 years' jail and a fine of RM30,000 to RM50,000.
- Each injured person can be the subject of a separate charge, which is why there are four counts here.
- Possessing drugs and consuming drugs are separate offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
- A guilty plea does not end the case at once: the court still needs the facts and the chemist's report before passing sentence.
What happened
According to news reports, at about 7.40am on 22 October 2026, a 39-year-old man was driving a car at kilometre 25 of the Seremban–Kuala Pilah road when the car swayed from side to side, hit a motorcycle and then crashed into a bridge wall, setting off a chain collision involving three cars and two motorcycles. His urine test was reported positive for methamphetamine, and small amounts of nimetazepam and ketamine were allegedly found.
The seven charges
- Four counts of causing injury while driving under the influence of drugs (Road Transport Act 1987, Section 44).
- Two counts of possessing dangerous drugs: about 1.22g of nimetazepam and 0.35g of ketamine (Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, Section 12(2)).
- One count of consuming a dangerous drug, methamphetamine (Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, Section 15(1)(a)).
He pleaded guilty to all seven charges. The prosecution asked for the case to be postponed because the laboratory reports were not ready. The court allowed bail of RM25,000 in total and suspended his driving licence until the case ends. The case returns to court on 10 December 2026.
Causing injury under the influence: Road Transport Act, Section 44
Section 44 makes it an offence to cause the death of, or injury to, another person while driving a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle. The prosecution must prove three things: that the accused was driving, that he was under the influence of a drug to that extent, and that his driving caused injury to another person.
Evidence of being under the influence usually comes from the manner of driving, the driver's condition after the crash, and laboratory tests of urine or blood. A positive urine test shows that a drug was taken; the other evidence links it to the loss of control.
Since the Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2020, causing injury while under the influence carries 7 to 10 years' jail and a fine of RM30,000 to RM50,000 for a first offence, and 10 to 15 years' jail and a fine of RM50,000 to RM100,000 for a repeat offence. The court may also disqualify the driver from driving. If death is caused, the penalties are higher: 10 to 15 years' jail, a fine of RM50,000 to RM100,000 and 10 years' disqualification for a first offence.
Why there are four counts
Each person injured is a separate victim, so the prosecution may file a separate charge for each. Where a person is convicted of several charges, the court decides whether the jail terms run one after another (consecutively) or at the same time (concurrently), taking into account the overall seriousness of the conduct.
Drug possession: Dangerous Drugs Act, Section 12(2)
Possessing a dangerous drug without authority is an offence under Section 12(2), punishable under Section 12(3) with a fine, jail of up to five years, or both. Nimetazepam (often sold as "Erimin 5") and ketamine are both listed as dangerous drugs. Because the amounts are small, the charges are for possession, not trafficking.
Drug consumption: Dangerous Drugs Act, Section 15(1)(a)
Section 15(1)(a) makes it an offence to consume or self-administer a dangerous drug. A positive urine test, supported by the chemist's report, is the usual evidence. The penalty includes a fine or jail of up to two years, and the person may also be placed under supervision or required to undergo treatment.
Pleading guilty: what happens next
When an accused pleads guilty, the court must be satisfied that he understands the nature and consequences of his plea before recording it, under Section 173 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The prosecution then presents the facts of the case, supported by evidence such as the chemist's report, and the accused must accept those facts. Only then does the court convict and pass sentence.
Before sentencing, the defence may put forward mitigation, such as a first offence, remorse and the early guilty plea. The prosecution may stress the harm caused and the public interest in deterring drug-driving. Injured victims may also give a victim impact statement under Section 183A. Where the law sets a minimum jail term, the court cannot go below it.
What about the injured road users?
The injured motorists and motorcyclists can claim compensation for their injuries and losses through a civil claim, usually against the driver and his motor insurer. Every motor vehicle must be insured against liability for injury to third parties under Part IV of the Road Transport Act, so the insurer normally deals with such claims, although it may later seek to recover what it paid from the driver.
Conclusion & Legal Support
Drug-driving cases carry heavy minimum penalties, and the consequences are even more serious when other people are injured. Whether you are facing a charge or have been injured in an accident, early legal advice helps you understand your position and your options. Schedule a 1-on-1 Legal Consultation.
This article gives general information only and is not legal advice.
References
News reports
- Oriental Daily (28 October 2026): driver pleads guilty to seven charges after four-vehicle pile-up
- Paultan.org (23 September 2020): heavier penalties under the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2020
Legislation
- Road Transport Act 1987: Section 44 and Part IV
- Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2020
- Dangerous Drugs Act 1952: Sections 12(2), 12(3) and 15(1)(a)
- Criminal Procedure Code: Sections 173 and 183A