KUALA LUMPUR – The magistrates’ court in Kangar has charged a contractor today with the murder of former Moto3 and Cub Prix national racer Elly Idzlianizar Ilias, which was committed two weeks ago.
Ibrahim Johan, 51, nodded after the charge was read out before magistrate Ana Rozana Mohd Nor, but no plea was recorded as the case is under the high court’s jurisdiction.
The charge, under Section 302 of the Penal Code, provides the death penalty or imprisonment for a minimum of 30 years but not more than 40 years, and if not sentenced to death must also be punished with no less than 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.
Ibrahim was charged with killing Elly,40, at the junction of Taman Behor Gonchar Jaya here between 10.30pm on September 10, 2024, and 12.01am the following day.
No bail was allowed and the court set December 30 for mention for the submission of relevant documents.
The prosecution was handled by deputy public prosecutor Nabilah Ahmad Po’ad while the accused was represented by lawyer Tan Yen Sing.
The late Elly made a name for himself at the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2009 and won various races with manufacturers Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki.
According to local police, the altercation that led to Elly’s death began when he visited the home of one of the suspects, only to find him absent.
Shortly afterwards, Elly encountered three men at a nearby junction, leading to a confrontation. The dispute escalated violently, with Elly sustaining 10 to 12 stab wounds.
Kangar police chief Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop confirmed that three suspects, aged between 28 and 51, have been arrested. The suspects are in custody under a seven-day remand as the investigation progresses.
Authorities seized a samurai sword, mobile phones, and video recording equipment from the suspects. While the motive was unclear, police noted that Elly and the suspects were acquainted.
The tragic news has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from fellow racers and industry professionals. – September 23, 2024