Man beats bus driver for not picking him up

GEORGE TOWN: A man punched and spat at a Rapid Penang bus driver for refusing to pick him up at a non-designated stop.

It is believed that the 46-year-old assailant wanted to board the bus at the traffic lights on Lebuh Macallum at about 7.30pm on Friday.

When the driver refused to give in to the passenger’s request to board the bus there, the man pried open the door and started yelling and attacking the driver.

Several passengers on board the bus broke up the fight.

The 43-year-old driver also locked the doors to stop the man from escaping after the assault.

He drove to the Rapid Penang bus depot in Weld Quay where auxiliary policemen of the bus company handed the assailant over to the police at the Beach Street station.

A video clip showing the man hitting the driver on his head before a scuffle took place has since gone viral.

George Town OCPD Asst Comm Che Zaimani Che Awang said the driver was headed for Komtar, from Bandar Sri Pinang, before the incident happened.

“We believe it could have stemmed from the driver’s refusal to pick up the man at the non-designated spot.

“The man also threatened to hurt the driver.

“The driver claimed he was punched on the left eye and spat at by the man,” he said.

ACP Che Zaimani said the case would be investigated for volun­tarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation.