Driver claims trial to causing girl’s death in Jalan Kuching crash

A bank assistant sales manager claimed trial at the magistrates’ court here today to causing the death of a five-year-old girl in a six-vehicle crash in Jalan Kuching, Kuala Lumpur, last Saturday afternoon.

Raeven Goh, 24, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read before magistrate Aliaa Anwar.

He is accused of causing the death of Asiah Ahmad Syahir by recklessly driving his electric vehicle at Jalan Kuching, headed toward Segambut, on Oct 10.

The charge under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act is punishable by two to 10 years in prison, a fine of between RM5,000 and RM20,000, as well as disqualification from holding a driving licence for at least three years.

Goh also claimed trial to a charge of reckless and dangerous driving under Section 42(1) of the same Act, which provides for a maximum five-year jail term, a fine of between RM5,000 and RM15,000, and disqualification from holding a driving licence for at least two years.

He also pleaded not guilty to failing to stop his vehicle following the accident, under Section 52(1) of the same Act, which carries a maximum RM2,000 fine or six-month jail term.

Aliaa fixed bail at RM36,000 with one surety for all three charges.

The magistrate also ordered Goh to surrender his passport to the court and suspended his driving licence pending the disposal of his case.

The court set Nov 19 for case management.

Deputy public prosecutors Fadhly Zamry and Wafi Husain appeared for the prosecution while lawyer Kailash Sharma represented Goh.