A Singaporean man has been ordered to pay a fine of RM5,500 (approximately S$1,545) in Malaysia for damaging a car during a road rage incident. Soh Kian Hui, 45, pleaded guilty to causing more than RM2,500 (S$700) worth of damage to the vehicle, following a heated argument with its owner.
The incident occurred on the North-South Expressway in Pagoh, Johor, on February 10, 2024. Soh was captured on dashboard camera footage arguing with occupants of a Malaysian-registered car, ultimately using a stick-like object, believed to be a golf club, to smash the rear window of the vehicle.
Soh’s actions are in violation of Section 427 of the Penal Code, which covers the offense of mischief, and could result in a jail term of one to five years, a fine, or both. However, in this case, the court imposed a fine, which, if unpaid, could lead to 12 months’ imprisonment. Soh has since paid the fine.
The Muar District Police released a statement indicating that a local driver witnessed Soh’s car using the emergency lane and obstructing the Malaysian-registered car. Soh was later arrested in Genting Highlands on February 12 by Malaysia’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
During court proceedings, Soh’s attorney pleaded for leniency, disclosing that Soh is currently responsible for caring for his 71-year-old mother, who is recovering from cancer and suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus disease. Soh’s monthly income is reported to be around RM10,626 (S$3,000), with no prior criminal record in the country.
Despite these circumstances, the prosecution argued for a heavier fine as a deterrent for road users, given the dangerous location of the altercation. Soh had stopped his vehicle at a hazardous spot during the incident. The court ultimately decided on the RM5,500 fine.