KUCHING: A 19-year-old man pleaded not guilty in the Magistrates’ Court here today to a charge of reckless driving causing the death of a cyclist along Jalan Stutong.
The accused entered his plea before magistrate Nursyaheeqa Nazwa Radzali.
According to the charge, the accused, as the driver of a Proton Satria, allegedly drove in a manner dangerous to the public at about 5.30am on May 1 along Jalan Stutong.
He is accused of colliding with a 56-year old cyclist travelling in the same lane, resulting in the death of the victim.
The offence is framed under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a jail term of not less than five years and up to 10 years, and a fine ranging from RM20,000 to RM50,000 upon conviction.
The charge also carries a disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving licence for not less than five years. For probationary licence holders, the licence may be revoked.
Bail was set at RM20,000 with two local sureties. The accused was also ordered to report to the Simpang Tiga police station once a month.
The court fixed Jun 23 for pre-trial case management (PTCM).
The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Fillanny Siji, while the accused is represented by counsel Daniel Ling.
Earlier, Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu previously said the suspect had surrendered himself at the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division office at around noon on May 5.
Following his arrest, the suspect allegedly led police to the accident scene and later to a workshop at Mile 4, where the car believed to have been involved in the incident was located.
Initial urine screening conducted on the suspect returned negative for drugs.
Police had earlier reported that the victim was killed in a suspected hit-and-run incident at about 5.40am on May 1. He was pronounced dead at 6.30am due to severe head injuries.
The victim is believed to have been on his way to meet friends for a cycling outing when he was struck from behind by a vehicle that fled the scene.
