Sailor pleads not guilty to riding recklessly
GEORGE TOWN: A 44-year-old sailor yesterday claimed trial to causing the death of a pedestrian by riding his motorcycle recklessly.
Nazri Che Lah pleaded not guilty to the charge read out before magistrate Mohamad Amin Shahul Hamid.
He was alleged to have caused the death of Foo Swee Wah on Thursday in an incident which has since gone viral following the release of a video clip showing a motorcycle ramming into the woman while she was using a zebra crossing in Jalan Burma.
Foo died 10 hours after the incident.
Nazri was dressed in green hospital clothes and appeared sombre as the charge under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 was read out to him.
He faces between two and 10 years in jail, and a fine not less than RM5,000 and not more than RM20,000 if convicted.
Deputy public prosecutor Nurul Fatin Hussin requested bail be set at RM15,000 and for Nazri’s licence to be suspended until the completion of the trial.
However, Nazri, who was unrepresented, pleaded for a lower bail.
“I am a sailor who does not earn much and have an unemployed wife to support. I cannot afford RM15,000 bail.”
Amin set bail at RM10,000 with one surety and suspended Nazri’s licence.
He fixed May 29 for mention. A 12-second video clip of the incident released by police shows Foo using the zebra crossing when a speeding motorcyclist rammed into her. The suspect sped away despite his helmet falling off due to the impact.
Foo was flung several feet away before falling to the ground.
The motorcyclist later sought treatment at a hospital, where he was warded.
Interviewed by reporters while he was seeking treatment in hospital, the man said he had sped through the zebra crossing as he was rushing to work.
The motorcyclist claimed that he did not stop after the accident as he was afraid of being beaten up by the public.