RAUB: RAUB: A 32-year-old tour bus driver was charged in the magistrate's court here today with dangerous driving, which resulted in the death of two Chinese tourists, and driving the vehicle without a licence on June 29.
S. Anand Kumar pleaded not guilty when the charges were read by the court interpreter before Magistrate Siti Aisyah Ahmad.
The accused, from Klang, Selangor, indicated to the court interpreter that he understood the charges and pleaded innocent.
Anand, wearing a brown Batik shirt and jeans, was charged with allegedly driving the tour bus in a dangerous manner that posed a threat to public safety, resulting in the deaths of Zhang Ping and Wang Suhong.
The offence was allegedly committed at Km16.5, Jalan Genting Highlands (downhill), at around 10.20am on June 29.
The charge was framed under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death due to reckless or dangerous driving, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to RM50,000 upon conviction.
For the second charge, Anand was alleged to have been driving the tour bus without a licence. The offence was allegedly committed at the same location, date, and time.
The offence under Section 26(1) of the same act carries a fine of between RM300 and RM2,000, or up to three months' jail, or both.
Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Zamharir Muhammad Zuhid requested the court to set bail at RM12,000 for both charges with one surety, and to prohibit the accused from applying for a driving licence until the conclusion of his court cases.
In mitigation, Anand, who was unrepresented, pleaded for a lower bail, stating that he earned a living as a bus driver and had to support his disabled mother with an income of between RM1,000 and RM1,500.
Magistrate Siti Aisyah set bail at RM8,000 for both charges with one surety. She scheduled August 7 for the appointment of a lawyer and document submission.
The tour bus accident on June 29 gained widespread attention, as it resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals, Zhang Ping, 58, and Wang Suhong, 49, who were killed on the spot. Several others on board were injured.
The driver was operating the tour bus, which overturned as it was descending from Genting Highlands.