Traffic police officer charged with dangerous driving that led to death of pedestrian near Tai Seng
Muhammad Firdaus Yusoff was allegedly speeding at almost double the speed limit and could not stop in time when the pedestrian crossed his path.
A screengrab from Google Street View showing the junction of Hougang Avenue 3 and Kim Chuan Road, where the collision occurred.
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SINGAPORE: A traffic police officer was on Tuesday (Jun 25) charged with dangerous driving that caused the death of a pedestrian who was crossing the road in the Tai Seng area last year.
Muhammad Firdaus Yusoff, 32, was on duty when he rode a traffic police motorcycle at a dangerous speed between 94.3kmh and 111kmh near the junction of Hougang Avenue 3 and Kim Chuan Drive at about 5.40pm on Jun 21, 2023.
The speed limit there is 50kmh.
As a result, he was allegedly unable to react in time when a 58-year-old pedestrian, Mr Tan Leng Hing, crossed the road on Firdaus' left.
Firdaus collided with Mr Tan, causing him to suffer multiple injuries leading to his death, the charge sheet stated.
Firdaus did not give any indication of his plea on Tuesday.
The case was adjourned to August for further mention.
In response to queries from CNA, a spokesperson for the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said the incident occurred while Firdaus, who holds the rank of SGT(3), was on patrol duty.
SPF said it "swiftly initiated investigations against him and he was suspended from frontline duties".
"Officers of the SPF are expected to exercise the utmost care for the safety of the public when going about their duties," said the spokesperson.
She said SPF was unable to comment further as the case is before the courts.
If convicted of dangerous driving causing death, Firdaus could be jailed between two and eight years.
He could also be banned from driving.
