Saw Yen Yew of Sungai Ara is accused of committing the offence at the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway here at 2.55am on Sunday.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge under Section 45A of the Act of driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle with alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit.

Prosecuting officer Insp Erma Yanti Abdul Rahim asked the court to set bail at RM8,000 in view of the serious nature of the offence.

Saw’s lawyer, Mohd Ismail Mohamed, pleaded for a lower bail as it was his first alleged offence. Magistrate Rosnee Mohd Radzuan set bail of RM10,000 with one surety and fixed Nov 27 for case management.

The amended Road Transport Act carries a maximum fine of RM30,000 and two years’ jail upon conviction, compared with a fine of between RM1,000 and RM6,000 and a maximum 12 months’ jail previously.

Saw is believed to be the first to be prosecuted under the amended Act in Penang since it came into force last Friday.