The car driver who was involved in an accident with a sports utility vehicle (SUV) driven by a student that plunged into the sea at Penang Bridge last month has been charged at the Bukit Mertajam magistrate’s court on Monday (Feb 11).
M Vaitheswaran, 21, is accused of driving recklessly and causing the death of Moey Yun Peng, 20, at KM4.0 on the bridge towards Prai direction at about 3am on Jan 20.
Reportedly, Moey and Vaitheswaran were former schoolmates.
The charge under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 carries a maximum of 10 years’ jail and a fine of up to RM20,000 or both upon conviction.
He will also lose his driving licence for a maximum of three years.
The charge was read to him twice, once in Malay and once in Tamil, before he finally claimed trial.
Vaitheswaran, who was wearing a black t-shirt, dark grey jeans and a cap, was calm throughout the proceeding.
During mitigation, DPP Yusaini Amir Abd Karim proposed for RM10,000 bail but Vaitheswaran’s lawyer S Parameswaran asked for RM5,000 bail instead as his client was no longer working as a hairdresser and his father is an electrician with a monthly income of RM2,500 to support the family.
Parameswaran added that his client’s mother is a housewife and he has two younger siblings.
Magistrate Jamaliah Abd Manap then set RM7,000 bail with one surety and ordered for Vaitheswaran’s driving licence to be suspended until the case is over.
She also ordered for Vaitheswaran to report to the nearest police station monthly and fixed March 18 for mention of the case.
Vaitheswaran was bailed out by a family member after the charge.
Related reports:
Jan 24, Tearful Farewell for Penang Bridge Crash Victim
Jan 23, Penang Bridge Crash: Victim Drowned, Vios Driver Arrested
Jan 23, Body of SUV Driver Intact Despite 3-Day Retrieval Op
Jan 22, Penang Bridge Crash: SUV Retrieved from Sea, Driver’s Body Recovered
Jan 22, Ongoing Op to Retrieve SUV from Sea
Jan 21, Penang Bridge Crash: SUV Located Under Bridge