KUALA LUMPUR – A Malaysian bus driver was convicted by Singapore after he ran over a passenger’s legs at the Woodlands checkpoint.
The bus driver, Gunaselan R. Subramaniam, was today found guilty of causing grievous harm to a passenger, 74-year-old Tuminah Sapie, after failing to ensure her safe disembarkation at the checkpoint, according to local media.
The incident occurred on June 24, 2019, when Gunaselan, a 45-year-old Malaysian employed by Singapore-Johor Express, drove off without confirming that Tuminah had alighted, resulting in her being run over by the bus.
During the trial, Gunaselan argued that he was not negligent, attributing Tuminah’s fall to a sudden jolt as he felt the bus go over a hump.
The prosecution, however, contended that he neglected to check his viewing screen and mirrors, possibly due to phone use.
Witnesses, including Tuminah, testified to hearing Gunaselan talk on the phone while passengers were alighting.
Photographic evidence presented in court showed Tuminah’s fall, depicting the severe fractures she sustained to her lower limbs.
Gunaselan is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on March 15, facing a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$5,000 (RM17,600), or both, along with the possibility of a driving ban.
Despite the conviction, he has been granted permission to leave Singapore temporarily from March 8 to 14, as he remains the sole provider for his family of five, commuting daily between Johor Bahru and Singapore for work. – March 8, 2024