Wrong-way driver escapes murder charge, jailed for causing deaths of two teens

The High Court found K Devaaswin guilty of causing the deaths of two young people through rash or negligent driving following a serious traffic accident involving a vehicle travelling against traffic flow. The conviction was brought under provisions relating to death caused without criminal intent, a charge that carries lesser penalties than murder or culpable homicide charges. Devaaswin was sentenced to nine years imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of RM60,000. The case highlights the distinction in Malaysian law between deliberate or intentional acts resulting in death and those caused by negligent or reckless behaviour on the road. The court's decision to convict on the lesser charge means prosecutors were unable to establish the higher threshold required for more serious criminal charges in connection with the teenagers' deaths. Road safety advocates have long stressed the dangers posed by vehicles travelling in the wrong direction on roadways, citing the inherent risks to other motorists and passengers.