Cover image via Threads & Auris Faqrurazzi/Berita HarianFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
A Penang driver who went viral after a dashcam video showed him making an obscene gesture at another motorist during a road rage incident has been sentenced to a day's jail
He was also fined RM8,000 and banned from driving for five years.
Tan Chee Gang, 37, pleaded guilty at the Balik Pulau Magistrate's Court earlier today, 4 June, to charges of making an obscene and offensive hand gesture and driving dangerously during the incident along Jalan Tun Dr Awang.
In addition to the jail sentence and fines, Magistrate Chia Huey Ting also ordered Tan to be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for five years.
Tan Chee Gang at the Balik Pulau Majistret Court.
Image via Auris Faqrurazzi/Berita HarianFor the first offence, Tan admitted to raising his middle finger at 59-year-old Omar Che Din with the intention of insulting and provoking fear
He was fined RM3,000 under Section 507B of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum jail term of three years, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Tan also pleaded guilty to driving his vehicle in a dangerous manner during the same incident.
For that offence, he was sentenced to one day's jail and fined RM5,000 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.
According to reports, Tan did not pay the fines imposed by the court and was ordered to serve imprisonment in default of payment.
Deputy public prosecutor Ikmal Affandi Zulkifli urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence as a deterrent against aggressive and dangerous behaviour on the road.
Meanwhile, Tan's lawyer told the court that his client earns about RM80 a day as a lorry driver, supports his parents, and was remorseful for his actions.
The incident, which took place at about 11.27am on 28 May, gained attention after dashcam footage went viral
The case attracted widespread attention after a 58-second dashcam recording of the incident began circulating on social media.
Southwest district police chief Assistant Commissioner Anuwal Ab Wahab said the suspect then exited his vehicle carrying an object believed to be a metal rod and swung it towards the complainant's car.
The footage, which was recorded by the complainant's dashboard camera, quickly spread online and prompted a police investigation.
Following investigations, police arrested the 37-year-old suspect and seized a Perodua Myvi, a PVC pipe, vehicle keys, and clothing believed to be linked to the incident.
Police also said the suspect had previous criminal and drug-related records, while a preliminary urine screening test returned positive for methamphetamine.
The case was previously investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation.
