Ang Kim Lai made the plea after the charge was read to him in Mandarin before magistrate A Khartiyayini.

Ang, a retiree, was charged with driving his sports utility vehicle recklessly and causing the deaths of Wong Nyok Sim, 62, and Wong Nyoke Fong, 57, at Jalan Pekan Baru here at 7.30pm on May 15.

The charge under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 carries a jail sentence of five to 10 years and a fine of between RM20,000 and RM50,000, as well as licence suspension, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Nur Nadia Syuhada Rosli proposed bail of RM15,000, citing the gravity of the offence.

Ang’s lawyer, Tong Kuan Ling, appealed for minimal bail on grounds that the father of five suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes, which require follow-up treatment.

The court allowed Ang bail of RM10,000 and ordered that his driving licence be suspended until the disposal of the case. Aug 4 was fixed for mention.