Bentong bus crash: Driver pleads not guilty to drug charge, re-arrested for dangerous driving
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BENTONG: The driver of the double-decker express bus involved in an accident that claimed the lives of three passengers has pleaded not guilty to a charge of using morphine.
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Wan Khairul Efendi Wan Mustapa, 35, who hails from Bachok, Kelantan, was accused of using morphine, based on urine tests conducted shortly after he was detained following the accident at KM11 Jalan Bentong-Raub on Saturday.
He was charged in the Magistrate's Court here under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act and is liable to be jailed up to two years or fined a maximum of RM5,000 or both, if convicted.
Wan Khairul Efendi, who was represented by counsel Azizzul Shariman Mat Yusoff, however, claimed trial and was granted bail at RM2,000. Inspector Anuar Afindi appeared for the prosecution.
Magistrate Mohd Isa Mohd Nor fixed May 19 for re-mention.
The accused was re-arrested outside the court to assist investigations into the accident under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act.
Somali national Saeed Mohamad Mohamud Abdalla, 31, his Malaysian wife Zarifah Alias, 26, and another passenger, Suhaisam Che Abdulla, 33, were killed in the accident while 10 other passengers sustained injuries. - Bernama
