The Vietnamese woman who killed a Penang student in a drunk driving accident pleaded not guilty at court today (March 27), and was released on RM20,000 bail.
The defendant faced 2 charges of drunk driving and killing the victim with her car, as reported by See Hua Daily News.
First charge, under Section 44 (1) of the Road Traffic Act 1987
The defendant was driving a Honda sedan at 9:48 pm on February 19 after consuming alcohol. While driving, she lost control of her vehicle, which caused the death of an 18-year-old student who was walking back home with his peers.
The deceased’s friend was also injured in the accident.
If found guilty, she will face a jail term of not more than 15 years and a fine of not more than RM100,000.
Second charge, under Section 44 (1A) of the Road Traffic Act 1987
The Vietnamese woman was also charged with injuring a Chinese youth at the same time and place as in the above charge in a similar manner. If found guilty, she will face imprisonment of not more than 10 years, a fine of not more than RM50,000, or both.
The defendant, who could not understand Bahasa Melayu, pleaded not guilty to both charges after the translator read the charges to her in Chinese.
The RM20,000 bail amount was set after the defendant’s lawyer requested the court to lower the amount, stating that the defendant is currently unemployed and her Malaysian husband is only making RM3,000 a month.
The case is adjourned to April 21.
“She did not apologise, and we will sue”
The deceased’s family members were also present at the court, and according to the father, the woman has not apologised to them for the accident.
He also told the media that a lawyer has been appointed and the family will sue to Vietnamese driver, and was glad that the defendant is at least charged for now.
