MALACCA, MALAYSIA - The driver who rammed an elderly woman and killed her in Taman Merdeka Jaya on Monday could face a murder charge as well as be charged over traffic offences.

The 48-year-old odd job worker from Taman Melaka Baru is said to have previous traffic and criminal records, including for a recent accident involving a migrant worker.

Melaka Tengah deputy OCPD Supt Wan Ahmad Wan Abas said a murder probe was being carried out as there may be criminal elements in the case.

"We have reclassified investigations under murder," he told reporters.

In the incident, grandmother-to-be S. Walima died on the spot when she was hit and dragged for some 10m by the car which had earlier knocked down her heavily pregnant daughter-in-law P. Jayanthi in front of their house.

Walima and Jayanthi's husband, S. Sivakumar, had rushed out on hearing Jayanthi's screams.

The car then rammed into both of them before crashing into a drain.

Jayanthi and Sivakumar are reported to be in stable condition.

Supt Wan Ahmad said police believe the driver tried to flee after hitting Jayanthi but hit Walima and Sivakumar instead