Sabah police nab hit-and-run suspect in viral video

KOTA KINABALU - Police have arrested a 23-year-old restaurant worker believed to be involved in a hit-and-run incident involving a 13-year-old schoolgirl that was captured on video along Jalan Kolam yesterday.

City police chief assistant commissioner M. Chandra said that the suspect was picked up this morning at 8am based on his licence plate.

Suspect Muhammad Nor Ramizal

“The suspect said he was asthmatic, and that he was rushing to retrieve his asthma inhaler from his place of work,” Chandra said.

According to the video, the suspect allegedly ran his bike through a red light on his way from Foh Sang to Karamunsing when he hit the Form One schoolgirl who was crossing the road.

“We are holding him for further investigations under Section 42 (1) of the Road Transport Act for reckless driving. Investigations are still ongoing,” said Chandra, adding that the suspect had a valid driving licence and was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The penalty for the offence is five years’ imprisonment and/or a fine if convicted.

The incident occurred at 5.55pm yesterday when the suspect was allegedly on his way to begin his shift at 6pm.

Victim Kimberly Chong

The video, which appears to have been caught by a dashboard camera, was widely shared on Facebook and WhatsApp last night.

The 15-second clip shows a schoolgirl from St Francis Convent crossing the road at the red light along Jalan Kolam and Jalan Kebajikan turning into Luyang when a motorcyclist speeding between lanes knocks her down.

As she lies sprawled on the road, the motorcyclist can be seen turning around for a glance before riding away.