Deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the allegations were unfounded as every action taken is based on evidence, legal considerations and the circumstances of each case.

“For example, the car driver is already 72 years old, suffers from various illnesses and is undergoing dialysis treatment. If we remand him and place him in a lock-up, how is he supposed to receive treatment? That is why we granted bail.

“But if he is involved in a murder case, that is a different matter,” he told a press conference after officiating an event for the Penang contingent at the Universiti Sains Malaysia parade ground here today.

However, Ayob Khan said the situation differed from another case involving a van driver who fatally struck a child.

“The van driver is healthy and 60 years old. If we can remand, we remand. That is why police need to exercise discretion. We are not practising double standards or bias,” he said.

Ayob Khan said although the elderly suspect was not remanded, investigations are still ongoing into the accident that occurred in Petaling Jaya last Tuesday, stressing that there would be no compromise against anyone found guilty.

Previously, disputes arose on social media over the action taken in two fatal accident cases involving a van driver accused of reckless driving that resulted in the death of a Year 2 pupil, and a Proton X70 driver who rammed into a motorcyclist causing death but was released on police bail due to health reasons.