TAPAH: An ice truck driver whose vehicle struck a van, killing nine people last year was charged on Friday with causing death by reckless driving.
Muhammad Eizat Hazmi, 22, pleaded not guilty to the offence which led to the death of the van driver and eight passengers, aged between 55 and 82, at Km45 of Jalan Ipoh-Teluk Intan near here at 6.45am on Oct 28, 2017.
He was charged under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act, which carries a maximum penalty of a 10-year jail term and RM20,000 fine.
In appealing for lower bail, Eizat’s lawyer, Ranjit Singh, said the accused earns about RM1,000 monthly working as an ice truck driver.
“His father is also present today and will ensure that he will be present for the trial,” Ranjit added.
Magistrate Mohd Harith Mohd Mazlan granted bail at RM6,000 and fixed Feb 27 for mention.
Deputy public prosecutor Fatin Farahiyah Nadzri prosecuted.
The eight passengers killed were friends on their way to a vegetable farm when the accident occurred.