A former bus driver, who went viral after being caught with his girlfriend sitting on his lap while he was behind the wheel, was sentenced to 12 months in prison today (April 17).
His partner received a six-month sentence, and both were fined RM5,000 each after pleading guilty at the Magistrate’s Court.
Magistrate Mazana Sinin handed down the sentences to the accused, Arif Fahmi Abd. Salam, 36, and Nur Adila Najwa Ilham Ameerullah, 21, after they admitted to the charges read in court.
Dangerous driving charges
According to the charge sheet, the pair jointly operated a bus (registration APE 9588) in a manner dangerous to the public. The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 PM on 12 April, near the exit of the Bemban Rest and Service Area (R&R) on the southbound North-South Expressway.
Both individuals were charged under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Amendment 2020), read in conjunction with Section 34 of the Penal Code. Under these regulations, the offence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a fine ranging from RM5,000 to RM15,000, and a minimum five-year disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving licence.
In a separate matter during the same proceedings, Nur Adila faced an additional charge under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 for using abusive and insulting language toward a 44-year-old female passenger. This altercation took place inside the Sri Maju Express bus at around 6:00 PM on the same day. This offence carries a fine of up to RM100.
Pleas for leniency
Arif Fahmi appealed for a lighter sentence, stating that he had lost his livelihood after being dismissed by the bus company. He noted that this was their first offence and admitted that the viral incident had caused significant upheaval in their lives.
Nur Adila also pleaded for leniency, explaining that she had moved from Kedah to Kuala Lumpur to save money for her future studies.
Prosecution calls for deterrent sentences
However, prosecutors Mohd. Asri Abd. Rahman Sidik and Syazwani Mohamad Yusri urged the court to impose a heavier sentence, citing the gravity of the offence. They argued that the pair’s “unacceptable and dangerous actions” had endangered the lives of 27 passengers and sparked widespread public concern regarding the safety of public transport, as reported by Sinar Harian and Kosmo!
After considering the submissions, the court sentenced Arif to 12 months’ imprisonment and a RM5,000 fine. Nur Adila was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and a RM5,000 fine. All prison terms are to commence from the date of conviction.
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