Man found dead in locked SUV in Tasek Gelugor
17 Jul 2025 09:43am
The victim, a 34-year-old man, was discovered in the driver's seat of a Mazda CX-5 with the engine still running. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva
TASEK GELUGOR - A man was found dead inside a locked sport utility vehicle (SUV) behind a shop lot in Taman Ara Mutiara here last night.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director (Operations) John Sagun Francis said the victim, a 34-year-old man, was discovered in the driver's seat of a Mazda CX-5 with the engine still running.
"Firefighters received an emergency call at 8.50pm and, upon arrival, found the vehicle with its engine running and the doors locked. A man was inside, unconscious,' he said in a statement today.
He said firefighters used special equipment to help the police unlock the car door, but the victim was pronounced dead by health personnel at the scene.
The case has been handed over to the police for further investigation. The operation ended at 9.35pm.
In another case, he said the department received a call at 12.45am today to help police open the door of a unit at Flat 100 Sungai Pinang near Jelutong. The department received a call at 12.45am today to help police open the door of a unit at Flat 100 Sungai Pinang near Jelutong. Photo for illustrative purposes only.
He said the team arrived at the location six minutes later and pried open the door using special equipment, where they found an elderly man inside, who was confirmed dead by health personnel.
He added that the case has also been referred to the police. - BERNAMA
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
2 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Dear parents, take bullying seriously: Legal steps you can take immediately
WHEN a child is bullied, every second counts and waiting for authorities can mean waiting too long. Legal experts are urging parents to take immediate action themselves, using existing laws to protect their children before harm escalates. The case of 13-year-old Zara Qairina, who endured repeated bullying, has amplified calls for parents to intervene without delay. Former Child Rights Chairperson of the Bar Council, Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo, said families have more legal tools at their disposal than they might realise. "Parents often believe they must wait for police action or school intervention, but that is not true. There are immediate legal steps that can protect the child's safety and well-being right away," Kokila said. The most critical first step is evidence gathering. Kokila emphasised that detailed documentation can make or break a case. "Record every incident which is dates, times, names and witnesses. Preserve text messages, social media posts, photographs and medical reports. If there are injuries, obtain an official medical report immediately,' she advised. According to her, such documentation not only strengthens legal claims but also ensures the matter is taken seriously by schools and institutions. Kokila further said parents should submit a formal written complaint to the school administration or principal, demanding a written response. "If the school does not act, escalate to the board of governors, the Education Ministry or district education offices. Keep a paper trail of every letter and reply," Kokila said. She also encouraged parents to request access to their child's school records and any incident reports to assess whether proper procedures were followed. Even without immediate police involvement, Kokila said parents have access to legal protections designed to safeguard the victim and deter further harm. Kokila explained that the law provides several avenues for urgent relief, which can be pursued directly through the courts. "Applications for protection or restraining orders can be filed at a magistrate's court. Civil suits can also be considered against the bully, the school, or responsible adults for negligence. These steps are independent of any criminal investigation," she added. Former Child Rights Chairperson of the Bar Council, Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo, said families have more legal tools at their disposal than they might realise. Photo: Canva The Esha Clause: A Turning Point in Bullying Laws Malaysia's recent Esha Clause, named after social media influencer Rajeswary Appahu, known as Esha, who died following severe cyberbullying, has strengthened protections for victims. Under Section 507D(2) of the Penal Code, anyone whose harassment or bullying provokes a person to harm themselves or commit suicide can face up to 10 years in prison, a fine, or both. 'The Esha Clause addresses the psychological damage of bullying, holding perpetrators accountable even if their intent is not proven. This is especially important in cases like Zara's, where the emotional toll is severe,' Kokila said. Malaysia's decriminalisation of attempted suicide in 2023 means victims will no longer face punishment, shifting focus to mental health support and accountability for perpetrators. 'If Zara had taken her own life, the legal focus would be on whether bullying contributed. Families could pursue wrongful death or negligence claims against individuals or institutions that failed to act,' Kokila said. Other countries such as Singapore, the UK, New Zealand and Australia have adopted similar approaches, pairing legal accountability with mental health care. While legal avenues are critical, Kokila also sees value in preventive measures. 'In New Zealand, family group conferences allow victims, bullies, and families to resolve conflicts under professional guidance. These programmes have reduced repeat offences and addressed underlying causes,' she said. Commenting further, former Malaysian Bar president Salim Bashir highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive legal measures to address bullying, pointing out that Malaysia still lacks a dedicated anti-bullying statute. Despite this gap, he stressed that existing laws under the Penal Code, tort law and other provisions can still offer protection and remedies to victims. 'Bullying whether physical, verbal or online can have devastating consequences. It is not confined to bruises and physical injuries; emotional and psychological trauma can be equally severe. While a dedicated anti-bullying law would certainly help to define and address the problem more holistically, victims are not without legal recourse,' Salim said. He explained that under current law, cases involving bodily harm can be prosecuted under provisions of the Penal Code dealing with causing hurt or criminal intimidation. On the civil side, Salim pointed out that victims can commence tort actions, particularly claims for assault or negligence. 'A civil suit in court can be filed if it can be shown that the defendant owed a duty of care to the victim, that the harm was foreseeable and that the injury whether physical, emotional or reputational, resulted directly from the defendant's conduct,' he explained.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Kepala Batas crash claims one life, two others injured
KEPALA BATAS: A collision involving two vehicles on Jalan Taman Bertam Perdana this morning claimed one life and left two others injured. The accident, which occurred at 8.37am, involved a Proton Wira and a Peugeot 207. Emergency response teams from the Bertam Fire and Rescue Station arrived at the scene within five minutes, at 8.42am. Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations John Sagun Francis, said two victims – the driver and front passenger of the Proton Wira – were trapped in the vehicle. The third individual, the driver of the Peugeot, sustained only minor injuries. "Upon arrival, our team immediately deployed specialised rescue tools to extricate the trapped victims in the Proton Wira. "The passenger sustained serious injuries, including a fractured left leg, while the driver was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics," he said in a statement tonight. John said that the Proton Wira's driver, Khirul Mazwan Mustafa, 41, died at the scene. Her 37-year-old sister, who was in the front passenger seat, was rushed to hospital for treatment. The 28-year-old Peugeot driver escaped with only minor injuries. "The injured passenger was handed over to ambulance personnel for further medical attention. The body of the deceased was later released to the police for further action," he added. The operation, which involved six personnel, concluded at 11.16am.
New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Body of Filipino found in 16th-floor condo unit
GEORGE TOWN: A Filipino national was found dead in a condominium unit in Sungai Ara early this morning. The discovery prompted a joint operation by the Fire and Rescue Department and police to remove the body from the 16th floor via the lift. The deceased, identified as Dumayas Jefferson, believed to be in his 40s, was confirmed dead at the scene by paramedics. Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations John Sagun Francis said they received a distress call at 7.19am regarding the incident. He said a team from the Bayan Baru fire station was dispatched to the scene. The operation was carried out at the request of police to assist in the retrieval of the body and was completed at 7.49am. The cause of death and investigation is ongoing.
