JASIN: A former bus driver and his girlfriend, who were captured in a viral video allegedly engaging in inappropriate behaviour while driving an express bus en route to Johor, have claimed trial at the Magistrate’s Court here.
Arif Fahmi Abd Salam, 36, and Nur Adila Najwa Ilham Ameerrullah, 21, made the plea before Magistrate Mazana Sinin on Friday (April 17).
According to the charge, Arif Fahmi allegedly drove the vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public.
The offence was allegedly committed at about 7.30pm on April 12 near the exit of the Bemban Rest and Recreational Area (R&R) along the North-South Expressway(southbound) here.
The charge was framed under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Amendment 2020), read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
If convicted, they face a jail term of up to five years, a fine ranging from RM5,000 to RM15,000, and disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving licence for not less than five years from the date of conviction.
Separately, Nur Adila Najwa was also charged with uttering abusive and insulting words towards a 44-year-old female passenger on board the same bus, causing disturbance to the victim at about 6pm on the same day and at the same location.
The offence was charged under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, which carries a fine not exceeding RM100 upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutors Mohd Asri Abd Rahman Sidik and Syazwani Mohamad Yusri prosecuted while both accused were unrepresented.
On April 13, an eight-second video of the incident went viral on social media, showing the driver allegedly allowing his girlfriend to sit on his lap while the vehicle was in motion, sparking public outrage and concern over passenger safety.
At the time of the incident, the bus was believed to be carrying about 20 passengers travelling from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur to Larkin, Johor Baru.
