A 56-year-old Grab driver in Johor Bahru was allegedly assaulted by three foreign passengers after reminding them to fasten their seatbelts during a ride.
The incident reportedly took place at around 9.30pm on June 9 in Taman Tan Sri Yaakob, Skudai.
According to Johor police, the passengers became unhappy after the driver reminded them not only to wear their seatbelts, but also to keep the noise level down inside the vehicle.
The situation allegedly escalated and the trio physically attacked the driver with their bare hands before fleeing the scene.
The victim later lodged a police report the following day.
Johor police have confirmed that they are currently tracking down the three suspects, who are believed to be foreigners.
Local politician Ling Tian Soon, who visited the injured driver at his home, said the suspects were believed to have been intoxicated at the time of the incident.
He also called on ride-hailing companies to review their safety procedures and provide stronger protection for drivers who may face aggressive or abusive passengers while on the job.
The case has since attracted widespread attention online, with many netizens demanding swift action against the suspects.
Police are investigating the matter under provisions related to voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation.
Anyone with information regarding the suspects has been urged to contact the nearest police station or the Iskandar Puteri police district.
Many drivers online have pointed out that ride-hailing drivers often work alone late into the night and can find themselves vulnerable when dealing with intoxicated or aggressive passengers.
What do you think? Should harsher penalties be imposed on passengers who assault ride-hailing drivers while they are working?