SHAH ALAM, Oct 8 — An e-hailing driver today claimed trial in the Magistrate’s Court here to three charges, including causing the death of a Maldivian student in an accident on Sunday.

Muhamad Syafiq Ibrahim, 37, pleaded not guilty to the charges read out to him before Magistrate Muhammad Syafiq Sulaiman.

According to the charges, the father of two was alleged to have driven a Perodua Ativa under the influence of methamphetamine, resulting in the death of his passenger, Aamina Imeely Nazim, 22.

He was also charged with driving the same vehicle under the influence of the same drug, resulting in injuries to another Maldivian passenger, Aishath Sara Nizam, 22.

He was further charged with driving the vehicle without due care and attention, causing an accident involving another vehicle and injuring Aishath Sara.

All three offences were allegedly committed on the Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP), near the PJS Toll Plaza, at about 8.40pm on Sunday.

The first charge was framed under Section 44(1)(a) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum prison term of 15 years and a fine of between RM50,000 and RM100,000 upon conviction.

The second charge was framed under Section 44(1A)(a) of the same act, which carries a maximum prison term of 10 years and a fine of between RM30,000 and RM50,000 upon conviction.

The third charge, under Section 43(1) of the act, carries a maximum prison term of 12 months and a fine of between RM5,000 and RM10,000 upon conviction.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Alia Anisa Khairus Masnan proposed bail of RM10,000 in one surety for each charge, but lawyer Rohan Singh appealed for the amount to be reduced, saying his client earned only about RM2,000 a month as an e-hailing driver and that his wife was a homemaker.

The court allowed bail of RM9,000 in one surety, suspended his driving licence until the case is concluded and fixed December 4 for mention. — Bernama