Lorry driver fined RM8,000, jailed one day for obscene gesture and dangerous driving in Penang

BALIK PULAU, June 4 — A lorry driver was fined RM8,000, jailed for one day and disqualified from holding a driving licence for five years by the Magistrate’s Court here today after pleading guilty to two charges of making an obscene gesture and dangerous driving last Thursday.

Magistrate Chia Huey Ting imposed the sentence on Tan Chee Gang, 37, and ordered him to serve six months’ imprisonment if he failed to pay the fine.

Under the first charge, the accused was charged with committing an insulting act by showing an obscene gesture, namely raising his middle finger at a motorist, with the intention of causing fear.

The charge was framed under Section 507B of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum prison sentence of three years, a fine, or both upon conviction.

For the second charge, he was accused of driving in a manner dangerous to other road users and was charged under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Amendment) 1999, which carries a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of RM15,000 and disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving licence for up to five years.

Both offences were allegedly committed along Jalan Tun Dr Awang here at 11.27 am on May 28.

The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor Ikmal Affandi Zulkifli, while the accused was represented by Yayasan Bantuan Guaman Kebangsaan (YBGK) lawyer Chester.

Chia imposed a RM3,000 fine for the first offence and one day’s imprisonment, a RM5,000 fine, endorsement of the driving licence and a five-year driving disqualification for the second offence. The court also ordered the accused to serve six months’ imprisonment if he fails to pay either of the fines.

On May 30, police arrested the man to assist investigations into an incident involving criminal intimidation and an obscene gesture, the video of which went viral on social media.

In the 58-second video, the accused, who was driving a Perodua Myvi, was seen making an obscene gesture before stopping his vehicle in front of the victim’s car. He then exited the vehicle carrying an object believed to be an iron rod and swung it towards the victim’s car. — Bernama