M-cyclist denies riding recklessly, causing woman’s death

GEORGE TOWN: A 44-year-old man was charged in a magistrate’s court with recklessly riding a motorcycle, resulting in the death of Foo Swee Wah.

He allegedly committed the offence at 10.30am in Jalan Burma here last Thursday.

Clad in a green hospital attire, Nazri Che Lah from Permatang Ten­gah, Balik Pulau, claimed trial to the offence under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 yesterday.

The offence carries a jail term of between two and 10 years, a maximum fine of RM20,000 and suspension of the person’s driving licence.

DPP Nurul Fatin Hussin offered a RM15,000 bail and called for Nazri’s licence to be suspended.

Nazri, who was unrepresented, pleaded for a lower bail amount, saying he needed to support his wife, who was not working.

He also said he was a ship crewman earning RM1,500 monthly.

Magistrate Mohamad Amin Shahul Hamid set bail at RM10,000 in one surety and suspended the accused’s licence pending completion of the trial.

He fixed May 29 for mention.

Meanwhile, a sombre atmosphere hung over the Mount Erskine funeral parlour when family members and friends of Foo came in droves to pay their last respects.

Sadness filled the air when the band played Auld Lang Syne at the funeral. A family member also rendered the Christian hymn Amazing Grace.

Clad in a white T-shirt, Foo’s 29-year-old eldest son Cheah Mein Kuok thanked everyone for their presence, blessings and prayers.

“I hope my mother did not die in vain and hope she has created awareness among road users.

“I hope in this trying period, everyone will stay positive,” Cheah said in his eulogy at the funeral parlour.

The cortege left the funeral parlour after the final rites at 2.20pm and headed to the Mount Erskine crematorium where Foo was cremated.