A deaf ride-hailing driver in Malaysia has filed a civil lawsuit against the country’s police force and government, alleging officers mishandled his assault complaint and attempted to pressure him into dropping the case.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on May 28, 2024, when 48-year-old Ong Ing Keong claimed he was assaulted while picking up passengers outside the St Regis Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
According to Ong, several individuals instructed him to move his vehicle while his passengers were still boarding. As he prepared to leave, a security escort dressed in plain clothes allegedly reached through his open driver’s window and punched him in the face without warning.
The alleged attack left Ong with facial pain, soft tissue injuries and bruising beneath his upper lip. The incident was reportedly captured by his vehicle’s dashboard camera.
Claims police pressured him to withdraw report
Ong lodged a police report at the Travers police station later that day before seeking medical treatment.
However, after returning to the station, he alleged officers confiscated his mobile phone and refused to return it unless he withdrew his police report and deleted the dashcam footage of the assault.
As a deaf individual, Ong said losing access to his phone also meant losing his primary means of communication for several hours.
He further claimed police did not provide a sign language interpreter or any communication assistance while handling his complaint despite being aware of his disability.
Ong also alleged an officer encouraged him to settle the matter by accepting RM800 in compensation from the security escort instead of pursuing legal action.
Although he initially agreed because he feared permanently losing his phone, he informed police the following day that he wanted the investigation to continue.
Security escort previously convicted
The security escort involved later pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing hurt.
On Nov. 4, 2024, the man was fined RM1,000 or faced 20 days’ imprisonment if he failed to pay the fine.
Nearly two years later, on Jul. 10, 2026, Ong filed a civil suit in the Malaysia High Court against the security escort, the police officer allegedly involved, the Kuala Lumpur police chief, the inspector-general of police and the Malaysian government.
He alleged the officer committed misfeasance in public office by attempting to coerce him into withdrawing his complaint.
The lawsuit also argues that senior police officers and the government bear responsibility for the actions of officers involved in handling the case. Ong further claimed police failed to fulfil their legal duties by not providing appropriate communication support for a deaf complainant and by failing to properly investigate the reported assault.
The case is scheduled to be heard at the High Court on Aug. 12.