A Malaysian man’s dream of starting a new job across the Causeway ended in disaster after he was caught riding his motorcycle while drunk, mere days before his planned move to Singapore. The 24-year-old, identified as Sivam, was stopped by police in the early hours of May 27 along Jalan Yong Peng–Labis in Johor. It was around 1.12am when officers flagged him down and found him to be intoxicated after conducting a breathalyser test.
He was promptly taken to the Yong Peng police station for further investigation, where he remained until court proceedings began. The incident has become a cautionary tale for Malaysians seeking opportunities in Singapore, highlighting how a single night of poor judgment can derail cross-border employment plans.
Sivam was unrepresented in court and faced the full consequences of his actions without legal counsel.
Heavy Penalty Imposed by Yong Peng Magistrate’s Court
Appearing before the Yong Peng Magistrate’s Court on June 24, Sivam pleaded guilty to the offence of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The court sentenced him to a one-day jail term and slapped him with a hefty RM10,000 fine—equivalent to around S$2,870—underscoring the seriousness of drink driving offences in Malaysia.
In addition to the fine and brief incarceration, Sivam’s motorcycle licence was suspended for two years from the date of sentencing, effectively preventing him from using his bike until mid-2027. For many Malaysians who rely on motorbikes for daily commuting, especially those planning to work in Singapore, this punishment carries severe practical consequences.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Firdaus Ruslan, who urged the court to impose a sentence reflecting the gravity of the offence under Section 45A(1) of Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987.
Drunk Riding Jeopardises Job Opportunities Across the Causeway
Sivam’s case serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved when motorists drive under the influence of alcohol, especially for those with plans to work or live in Singapore. With strict employment requirements and character assessments often part of the hiring process, a criminal conviction—even for a traffic offence—can severely affect one’s chances of securing or retaining a job across the border.
This incident has also reignited conversations around road safety and responsible behaviour among young Malaysians, particularly those preparing for new careers in Singapore’s competitive job market. Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid drink driving, reminding all that the penalties don’t just end with fines or jail, but can include long-term setbacks to personal and professional ambitions.