Chinese National Jailed 5 Years, Fined RM20,000 for Fatal Sabah Court Director Crash

Sun Xue Song, a 42-year-old Chinese national, was sentenced to five years in prison and fined RM20,000 for reckless driving that caused the death of Marutin Pagan, the former Sabah State Courts director, in an accident at the Kanowit roundabout near Sibu. The court ordered the sentence to run from his arrest date, March 30, and disqualified him from holding a driving license for five years. Sun was charged under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 after he dangerously ignored give-way markings and collided with the Toyota Fortuner carrying Marutin and his family, resulting in severe injuries that led to Marutin’s death. Sun initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty; his defense highlighted his clean record, full cooperation, and remorse, as well as his financial support to the deceased’s family and dependents. The collision caused the Toyota Fortuner to roll multiple times, and a post-mortem confirmed Marutin died from head and chest injuries. The sentencing reflects the court's consideration of both the severity of the offense and the mitigating circumstances presented.