20-8-2024 (SINGAPORE) A routine journey home turned fatal for a 31-year-old motorcyclist on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Bridge. The accident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, 19 August, has left authorities investigating.
Balakrishnan Marimutu, a Malaysian national employed by a safety and firefighting equipment supplier in Singapore, was making his customary return trip to Johor Bahru when tragedy struck. At approximately 8:20 am, as Mr Marimutu was traversing the bridge from Tuas Checkpoint, he reportedly lost control of his motorcycle, resulting in a catastrophic overturn.
The severity of the accident became immediately apparent to witnesses, with Mr Marimutu suffering devastating injuries that proved fatal at the scene. Deputy Director Mohammad Azlan of the Iskandar Puteri police confirmed that the victim’s remains have been transferred to Johor Bahru General Hospital for a comprehensive post-mortem examination.
This tragic event has cast a spotlight on the daily risks faced by the multitude of cross-border commuters who traverse the causeway between Singapore and Malaysia. Many of these individuals, like Mr Marimutu, make this journey twice daily, often contending with heavy traffic, varying weather conditions, and the fatigue associated with long work hours.
The police have initiated an investigation under Section 41(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1987, which pertains to dangerous and reckless driving causing death. This legal framework will guide the authorities as they piece together the circumstances leading to this unfortunate incident.
