Kota Kinabalu: A 68-year-old woman who was involved in the catamaran tragedy that resulted in the deaths of four Chinese tourists, will know her fate on Sept 22 this year.
Sessions Court Judge Noor Hafizah Mohd Salim set the date for Chung Ket Siew @ Chung Siaw Ping, after the defence closed its case after calling one witness in the hearing.
The court also fixed latest by Aug 18 for both parties to file written submissions and submissions in reply, if any, to be filed latest by Aug 25 this year.
On the first count, Chung, the Director of Syarikat Golden Sailing Travel Tour and Car Rental, is accused of causing hurt to 20 Chinese tourists by permitting Leong to manage and use the boat to sea so negligently as to endanger their lives.
She allegedly committed the offence together with her son Leong Vin Jee, 44, and skipper Sharezza Salian, 30, who both were found guilty on March 1, 2019 and received their punishments, respectively.
The offence under Section 337 of the Penal Code carries a jail term of up to six months, or fine of up to RM1,000, or both, on conviction.
On the second count, Chung was ordered to enter her defence on a charge of negligently caused the death of four tourists namely, He Runyuan, 46, Wang Jianyi, 38, Xie Luo, 49, and Zhang Xiau Kun, 27, by allowing Leong who then ordered Sharezza, to use the boat and load it which endangered human life.
The offence under Section 304A of the Penal Code which provides for a jail term of up to two years, or fine, or both, on conviction.
On July 18, 2018, Chung was discharged and acquitted from the two charges but the prosecution had appealed against the decision and the High Court ordered Chung to enter her defence on the charges.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Nur Faezah Jafry together with DPP Dacia Jane Romanus, conducted the prosecution while counsel Edward Paul and Elffie Johny defended Chung.
