Malaysian driver pleads not guilty for causing the death of a robbery suspect

MALAYSIA: An aluminium shop worker, Han Boon Hau, pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate’s Court to a charge of causing the death of a robbery suspect.

Last week (19 Mar), it was reported that Han Boon Hau, attempting to escape from three robbers, accidentally killed one of them with his car out of panic, leading to a murder probe.

Han Boon Hau (33) entered his plea after the charges were read out to him in front of Magistrate Siti Norhidayah Mohd Noor.

The charges allege that he caused the death of Mohd Shazwan Idzauddin Ishak (29) through a reckless or negligent act behind the BSN building in Kuala Kedah at 6.39 am on the day of the incident.

The accused faces charges under Section 304A of the Penal Code for causing death by negligence, which carries a penalty of imprisonment for two years, a fine, or both.

Deputy Public Prosecutor J Banusha handled the prosecution, while lawyer Lim Wei Yong represented the accused.

Banusha requested bail to be set at RM15,000 (US$3,170) for the accused, citing the severity of the charges.

However, the defence lawyer argued for a lower bail amount due to the accused’s marital status, health issues, and limited monthly income of RM1,200 (US$253).

In response, Siti Norhidayah set bail at RM3,000 (US$634) with one surety and an additional condition requiring the accused to report to the police station every month.

Han Boon Hau paid the bail as required, and the court scheduled 19 May as the next date for the case to be mentioned.

Accused trio pleads not guilty to robbery charges

In the Sessions Court, the deceased, along with two other individuals, Muhammad Zaki Zabani Osman (28) and Zazimi Hamid (41) collectively faced charges for attempting to rob Han Boon Hau.

Subsequently, they both pleaded not guilty after the charges were read out in front of Judge Noor Zaihan Mohamad Ali.

The charges specify that they jointly attempted to rob Han Boon Hau in front of a pharmacy in Kuala Kedah at 6:39 am on 19 March.

They are being prosecuted under Section 395 of the Penal Code for gang robbery, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and caning upon conviction.

The court did not offer bail to any of the accused who did not have legal representation.

The next mentioned date for the case was set for 28 April.