The Malaysian Insight

THE Toyota Vios driver involved in a fatal accident on the Penang Bridge last month has claimed trial for causing the death of his former schoolmate by reckless driving.

M. Vaitheswaran, a 21-year-old former hairstylist, pleaded not guilty before magistrate Jamaliah Abd Manap at the Bukit Mertajam court this morning.

The charge, under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, provides for a maximum 10 years’ jail and a fine of up to RM20,000 upon conviction.

Vaitheswaran allegedly rammed his car into a Mazda CX5 SUV driven by Moey Yun Peng, 20, on the Penang Bridge about 3am on January 20.

The collision, which was caught on the dashcam of a passing vehicle, caused the SUV to spin out of control and fall off the bridge.

Trapped in the SUV, Moey drowned. The vehicle and his body were retrieved two days later.

It was reported that Vaitheswaran and Moey had earlier attended a friend’s birthday party in George Town. Both were driving home to the mainland when the crash happened.

Deputy public prosecutor Yusaini Amir Abdul Karim asked the court to set bail at RM10,000, saying the amount is reasonable given the seriousness of the case.

Vaitheswaran’s lawyer, S. Parameswaran, requested that the amount be reduced to RM5,000 as his client is not from a wealthy family.

He said Vaitheswaran’s father is an electrician who earns RM2,500 a month, while his mother is a housewife.

Parameswaran added that his client has two younger siblings.

He said Vaitheswaran has given full cooperation to police in the course of the investigation, and need not be remanded.

“The bail amount should not be excessive, but sufficient to ensure court attendance.”

Jamaliah fixed bail at RM7,000 with one surety, and set March 18 for next mention.

She also ordered Vaitheswaran’s driving licence to be suspended, and for him to report himself at the nearest police station once a month throughout the trial period. – February 11, 2019.