A physical altercation occurred on 8 February after a Toyota Vellfire driver assaulted and threatened a 70-year-old man following a minor fender bender in Cheras.
The 52-year-old accused was later arrested in Kajang and fined RM5,500 after pleading guilty to two charges. Should he fail to pay the fine, he faces eight months in jail.
Saiful adli yusof
MCA Youth calls for tougher punishment for the accused
In response, the victim’s family expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence and is considering further legal action, calling the RM5,500 fine nothing more than a “slap on the wrist.”
The verdict also drew criticism from the Youth wing of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), which issued a statement calling for tougher penalties against the accused.
Liew khoon foo (the victim)
MCA Youth stated that although the accused was fined, the sentence has sparked widespread public concern, warning that a light punishment could send the wrong message to road bullies.
“The victim suffered a swollen eye and needed six stitches to his tongue after being kicked and slapped. Violence on our roads must never be normalised.
“A traffic dispute, no matter who is at fault, can never justify physical assault or death threats. When an elderly motorist is attacked in this way, it raises serious concerns about public safety,” the statement read.
The emotional impact on the victim must be considered
MCA Youth further stressed that while it respects the independence of the judiciary, sentencing in such cases should reflect the wider need for deterrence.
It added that the emotional toll on the victim, senior citizen Liew Khoon Foo, and his family must be taken into account, as the incident could leave lasting psychological scars.
“A penalty seen as too lenient risks sending the message that road rage can be settled with a small fine. We therefore call for a broader review of enforcement and sentencing in cases involving road rage,” the statement said.
The accused had previously sought a lighter fine, expressing remorse and assuring the court that the offence would not be repeated.
He was charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt, which carries a maximum jail term of one year, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both upon conviction. He also faced a charge under Section 506 of the Penal Code, which provides for up to two years in jail, a fine, or both for criminal intimidation at the same location.
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