KUALA LUMPUR: A 23-year-old fresh university graduate claimed trial at the magistrate's court here today to two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing the death of two college students on Saturday.
Lim Cong Li pleaded not guilty after the charges were separately read out to him before magistrate Fatin Dayana Jalil.
As the driver of a black Mercedes C200, his blood alcohol level exceeded the permitted level of 114mg/100ml, and he was accused of causing the deaths of S. Dinesh Raj and R. Panthalaraasan, both 22.
He committed the offences in Jalan Cheras from the direction of Taman Midah towards the city centre at 6.43am on Aug 10.
The offences are punishable under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act.
Each offence carries a maximum jail term of 15 years, and a fine between RM50,000 and RM100,000, upon conviction.
Prosecuting officer Inspector Shazwan Hasifi Shahrun urged the court to set bail at RM30,000 with one surety for both offences.
Defence lawyer Vincent Lawrence pleaded for a RM5,000 bail for his client, who has a degree in business and logistics management.
"He was arrested on Saturday night and released on police bail yesterday.
"He came to court today on his own without being forced.
The fact that he is here proves he has no intention of absconding and he will come on the dates due to mitigate himself.
"His parents are in court today and they are vouching for their son's conduct and presence in court for proceedings as and when it arises.
"The bail sum is to secure his attendance and not a punishment at this stage," he said.
The court allowed a bail of RM8,000 with one surety for both offences and suspended Lim's driving license until case disposal.
Oct 21 was set for case mention.
On Saturday, the college students were killed in an accident involving six vehicles in Jalan Cheras.
They were the passengers in one of the vehicles involved.
Kuala Lumpur Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa had said the accident occurred when one of the vehicles skidded onto the opposite lane of the road.
The vehicle later collided with the other five vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
Zamzuri said the accused was the driver of the vehicle, which skidded and entered the opposite lane during the incident.