BALIK PULAU: A lorry driver who went viral on social media after being caught on video overtaking a vehicle abruptly and making an obscene gesture at another motorist was jailed a day and fined a total RM8,000 by a Magistrate’s court here.
Tan Chee Gang, 37, also had his driving licence suspended for five years after pleading guilty before magistrate Chia Huey Ting to two charges of making an obscene gesture and dangerous driving.
Tan was fined RM3,000 in default of six months’ jail for making an obscene gesture by showing his middle finger to a 59-year-old motorist with the intention of causing fear, along Jalan Tun Dr Awang at 11.27am on May 28.
The charge under Section 507B of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation by means of insulting communication or conduct, carries a maximum jail term of three years, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Tan, who is single, was also jailed a day and fined RM5,000 in default six months’ jail for the second charge of driving a Perodua Myvi in a manner that was dangerous to other road users at the time.
He was charged with committing the offence under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ jail and a fine of up to RM15,000 upon conviction.
Chia had also ordered Tan to be barred from holding or obtaining a driving licence for five years.
In mitigation, Tan’s counsel said his client regretted his actions and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
The prosecution urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence as a deterrent, noting that the offences could endanger other road users.
In passing sentence, Chia said the court took into account Tan’s guilty plea, mitigation and public interest.
It was learnt that Tan did not pay the fines.
