Genting bus crash: Driver claims trial to charges of driving dangerously, not having valid licence
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The tour bus was carrying 21 people when it overturned while travelling downhill from Genting Highlands on June 29.
PHOTO: PAHANG FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT
RAUB, Pahang - The tour bus driver involved in an accident which claimed the lives of two Chinese tourists while travelling downhill from Genting Highlands has pleaded not guilty at a Magistrate’s Court in Raub to two charges of driving dangerously and not possessing a valid driving licence.
The accused, S. Anand Kumar, 32, from Klang, Selangor, made the plea before Magistrate Siti Aisyah Ahmad on July 3 after the charges were read by the court interpreter, reported Malay-language daily Sinar Harian.
According to the charge sheet, the accused, on June 29 at approximately 10.20am at the 16.5km mark of Jalan Genting Highlands in Bentong, had driven the tour bus dangerously, causing the deaths of two Chinese nationals – Zhang Ping, 58, and Wang Suhong, 49.
Anand Kumar was charged under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of RM50,000 (S$14,400).
He was also charged with driving a motor vehicle on the road without a valid driving licence.
In his plea, Anand Kumar, who was unrepresented, said he was supporting his mother, who is a person with disabilities, on an income of RM1,000 to RM1,500 per month.
Magistrate Siti Aisyah subsequently set bail at RM8,000 with one surety and scheduled Aug 7 for the next mention for the appointment of a lawyer and submission of documents.
The tour bus was carrying 21 people – 18 Chinese tourists and three Malaysians – and had overturned while travelling downhill from Genting Highlands.
It was previously reported that the two victims were trapped in the vehicle, while the other passengers managed to exit the vehicle with light injuries. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
