A private higher education institution student was charged with murder at the Magistrates’ Court here today after allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol in a crash that claimed the life of a 79-year-old man.
The accused, N. Vishwesh, 23, nodded after the charge was read before Magistrate Maslinda Selamat. However, no plea was recorded as the offence falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Vishwesh was accused of causing the death of Eng Kim Kheng @ Ng Kim Swee, 79, at about 7.20pm on Aug 7 at Kilometer 38 of the Klang-Banting-Port Dickson Road.
The charge was brought under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years, as well as a minimum of 12 strokes of whipping upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Syed Ahmed Khabir Abdul Rahman appeared for the prosecution, while lawyer T. Mishant represented Vishwesh.
The defence told the court that the accused was a student at a private higher education institution and requested that the relevant documents be provided promptly so the case could be transferred to the High Court without delay.
The court did not grant bail and fixed Oct 1 for mention of the case.
The case had earlier attracted attention on social media following a video believed to show Vishwesh at the scene of a crash near the Kanchong Bengkok traffic light junction.
In the widely circulated footage, the man was seen at the scene and reportedly admitted to being drunk when questioned by members of the public, while denying that he had committed any wrongdoing.
The fatal crash and subsequent court proceedings have since drawn public attention to the serious consequences associated with driving under the influence of alcohol.
