Man Sentenced to Jail and Driving Ban After Fatal Hit-and-Run Across Singapore-Malaysia Border

Singaporean Safuan Tehda, 35, received a 23-month jail term and an eight-year driving ban for his role in a tragic hit-and-run incident. Instead of stopping after colliding with pedestrian Goh Eng Loo, 57, Safuan continued driving, crossing into Malaysia. Goh later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

The law caught up with Safuan six months later when Malaysian authorities apprehended him and extradited him to Singapore. Safuan pleaded guilty to three charges, including causing death by careless driving, failing to stop after an accident, and obstruction of justice. He was also held accountable for three similar charges.

Safuan, a former lorry driver, had been working for Malaysian company The Vanguard Logistics from September 2022 to August 2023. On the fateful day of August 24, 2023, he loaded medical supplies onto his lorry in Penang and drove into Singapore for delivery.

During his route, at a zebra crossing along Bulim Avenue, Safuan collided with Goh, who was crossing the street after a job interview. Despite knowing he had hit someone, Safuan didn't stop to help, even though witnesses saw the incident and footage captured the accident.

Goh, though conscious after the collision, eventually succumbed to his injuries. The court backdated Safuan's sentence to March 15, when he was first remanded.

During the trial, it emerged that Goh was rushed to the National University Hospital via ambulance, where medical staff discovered a severe "degloving injury" to his lower abdomen. This type of injury involves the stripping of skin and tissue from underlying muscle and connective tissue. Despite medical efforts, Goh tragically passed away at the hospital over an hour later. An autopsy conducted by the Health Sciences Authority concluded that his death resulted from multiple injuries consistent with those sustained in a road traffic accident.

After the collision, Safuan continued his journey toward Tuas Checkpoint and departed Singapore for Malaysia around 10:28 a.m. on the same day. Hours later, he disclosed the incident to his supervisor, stating that he had struck a pedestrian at a zebra crossing while driving the lorry. Subsequently, Safuan ceased working for the company, although court documents did not clarify whether he resigned or was terminated.

Safuan's apprehension occurred over six months later when the Royal Malaysia Police arrested him in Pahang on March 14, 2024. He was then extradited to Singapore the following day. Prosecutors sought a sentence of 24 to 32 months in jail and an eight-year driving ban for Safuan. Deputy Public Prosecutor Gabriel Lee emphasized Safuan's failure to yield to the pedestrian's right of way at the zebra crossing, especially while driving a heavy vehicle. Despite knowing he had seriously injured the pedestrian, Safuan neglected to provide any assistance and remained outside Singapore for an extended period.

In contrast, Safuan's lawyers, Mr. Muslim Albakri and Ms. Rebecca Heng from Albakri LLC, argued for a lighter sentence of 20 months, asserting that Safuan's actions were rooted in carelessness rather than malice. They contended that his immediate return to Malaysia following the incident was a spontaneous reaction, noting that he promptly informed his supervisor before ceasing employment the next day. Furthermore, they highlighted Safuan's lack of efforts to conceal his involvement in the accident during his time evading authorities.

Safuan's legal team also made a heartfelt plea for leniency, emphasizing their client's profound remorse for his actions. They conveyed that Safuan sincerely regrets the pain and loss he inflicted upon the victim's family, a burden that weighs heavily on him and is likely to endure for the remainder of his life.

Under Singaporean law, the offense of causing death by driving without due care and attention carries a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both. Additionally, failure to render assistance in a road accident resulting in serious injury or death can result in imprisonment for up to 12 months, a fine of up to S$3,000, or both. Furthermore, obstruction of justice carries a potential sentence of up to seven years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.

In conclusion, Safuan Tehda's case serves as a somber reminder of the severe consequences of reckless driving and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. His evasion of justice and subsequent remorse underscore the gravity of his offenses and the lasting impact on the victim's family. As he begins his sentence, Safuan's remorse and the legal repercussions stand as a cautionary tale, highlighting the imperative for all motorists to prioritize safety and accountability on the roads.