Dad of child caught driving claims trial for neglect

SEPANG: A 53-year-old Pakistani carpet seller, who is a permanent resident, pleaded not guilty to child endangerment charges in the Sepang Sessions Court on Wednesday (Aug 7).

The father of the 12-year-old boy who was seen driving with his two younger siblings in a viral video last month faced a count of recklessly exposing the child to physical injury.

According to Sinar Harian, the charge was read before Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman.

According to the charges, he is accused of neglecting his duty to supervise his son, resulting in the 12-year-old driving a car on Jalan Impiana 10, Taman Putra Impiana, Puchong, at 7.30pm on July 28.

Furthermore, the court may impose a good behaviour bond with a surety for a suitable period and mandate community service.

During the proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Farahin Sasaruddin proposed bail at RM15,000 with one local surety and additional conditions prohibiting the accused from disturbing the prosecution witnesses and requiring him to report to a nearby police station once a month.

However, defence attorney Nabilla Rosli from the law firm Nadia Nabilla Rosli & Syaakirah argued for a lower bail amount, stating her client was the sole breadwinner for a household of five children, ranging from six to 19 years and a homemaker wife. She did not contest the additional bail conditions.

After hearing submissions from both sides, Judge Ahmad Fuad set bail at RM8,000 with one local surety and mandated compliance with the additional conditions imposed by the prosecution.

The case has been adjourned to September 4 for the next mention.

Previously, a viral video lasting one minute and 49 seconds, showed a 12-year-old boy driving a Perodua Viva with two other children, aged four and six. Police investigations confirmed the incident occurred around 8pm on July 28.