JOHOR BARU: A factory operator was charged at a Magistrate's Court here for driving under the influence of alcohol, resulting in the death of a man on Sunday (June 16).
The accused, L. Satish Kumar, 25, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him before Magistrate A. Shaarmini on Thursday (June 20).
According to the charge sheet, the accused was driving an SUV with a blood alcohol content of 173 milligrammes (mg) per 100 millilitres (ml), causing the death of a 17-year-old motorcyclist.
The incident allegedly took place at KM41 Jalan Johor Baru-Gelang Patah-Pendas, at 12.15am on June 15.
The accused was charged under Section 44(1)(b) of the Road Transport Act 1987 and is liable to be punished under Section 44(1)(6) of the same act (amended 2020), which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of up to RM100,000 if found guilty.
Additionally, if convicted, the court must endorse the accused’s driving licence and disqualify him from holding or obtaining a driving licence for a period of up to 10 years.
The case was prosecuted by the police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSTP) prosecution officer Insp S. Vikineswary while the accused was represented by R. Sangaran.
During the proceeding, Vikineswary has proposed bail to be set at RM10,000 along with a few terms, namely for the accused to report to Kangkar Pulai Police Station once a month and his driving licence to be suspended until the case is resolved.
Sangaran, in mitigation, requested a lower bail as the accused only earns RM2,500 a month working in Singapore and his father is due for eye surgery soon.
The court then allowed bail at RM7,000 with one surety, along with the additional terms.
The case is set for mention on July 23.
