BALIK PULAU: A lorry driver seen in a viral video was fined RM8,000, jailed for a day and had his licence suspended for five years after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and making an obscene gesture at another road user.
Tan Chee Gang, 37, pleaded guilty to two charges before Magistrate Chia Huey Ting on Thursday (June 4).
On the first charge, Tan was accused of making an insulting gesture towards a 59-year-old motorist with the intention of causing fear along Jalan Tun Dr Awang at 11.27am on May 28.
He was charged under Section 507B of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation by means of insulting communication or conduct, which carries a maximum jail term of three years, a fine, or both upon conviction.
For the second charge, Tan was accused of driving his car in a manner that was dangerous to other road users at the same place and time.
He was charged under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to RM15,000 upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Ikmal Affandi Zulkifli urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence as a deterrent, noting that such offences endangered other road users.
Tan's counsel from the National Legal Aid Foundation said in mitigation that his client regretted his actions and had pleaded guilty.
Magistrate Chia imposed a fine of RM3,000 for the first offence, in default six months’ jail, and RM5,000 for the second offence, also in default six months’ jail, and sentenced Tan to one day’s imprisonment.
She also ordered the suspension of his driving licence for five years.
The magistrate said the sentence took into account Tan's guilty plea, mitigation and the public interest.
The case stemmed from a viral video showing a motorist cutting in front of another vehicle before making an obscene gesture.
