KUALA PILAH: A truck driver was charged with attempted murder of a police officer and two other traffic offences at the magistrate's court here today.
The accused, Muhamad Hasrulnizam Hasim, 21, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges read separately before Magistrate Saiful Sayoti.
According to the first charge, the accused attempted to cause the death of a police officer after fleeing from custody by ramming and attempting to hit the motorcycle ridden by the officer until it skidded off the road.
He allegedly committed the offence between 12.30pm and 1.15pm at kilometre 5 of the Serting Tengah-Keratong Road in Jempol on April 9.
The offence falls under Section 307 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum imprisonment of 20 years and may also entail a fine upon conviction.
For the traffic offense charge, Hasrulnizam was charged with reckless driving by intentionally swerving dangerously close to a police vehicle and posing a danger to the public at the same date and time.
He was charged under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 and can be punished under the same Act.
The accused is also charged under Section 43(1) of the same Act for driving in a negligent manner, resulting in a collision with a motorcycle.
He could be fined up to RM10,000 and sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment if found guilty.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Farahidah Zool Beri prosecuted while the accused was unrepresented.
The court set RM18,000 bail for all charges and fixed May 6 for next case management and the appointment of lawyer.