A 19-year-old Singaporean full-time National Serviceman (NSF) has been convicted and fined in Malaysia after admitting to riding a motorcycle at high speed along the Second Link during an illegal racing incident.
The teenager, identified as Syajahan Alfian Abdullah, was among three young men convicted by a Malaysian court on Nov. 3 for offences involving illegal motorcycle racing and testing vehicle performance on the expressway.
The other two accused were Malaysians Muhammed Daniel Hakim Mohamed Rashid, 24, and Gonzales Mckhovic Anak George, 18.
According to reports, the incident took place in the early hours of Oct. 18, at around 2.10am.
NSF was in Malaysia on personal trip
Syajahan reportedly rode his motorcycle at high speed at a location approximately 12.5km south of the Second Link expressway.
The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) subsequently confirmed that the Singaporean, who holds the rank of Private, had been convicted and fined by the Malaysian courts for an offence committed in Malaysia.
In response to media queries, MINDEF clarified that Syajahan was visiting Malaysia in his personal capacity when the incident occurred.
The ministry also reminded all National Servicemen that they are expected to conduct themselves appropriately in public and comply with the laws of countries they visit.
Although the incident took place outside Singapore, the ministry’s statement serves as a reminder that Singapore’s servicemen are expected to uphold proper standards of conduct even when travelling overseas.
Three young men pleaded guilty
During court proceedings, Syajahan admitted to the offence and appealed for leniency, citing his young age and family responsibilities.
According to reports, he told the court that he had to care for his father, who was unwell.
The other two accused were also involved in motorcycle racing activities along the expressway at approximately 2am on Oct. 18.
Rashid and George were accused of riding their motorcycles and racing at a location about 7.8km north of the expressway.
Both men pleaded guilty as well.
George appealed for a lighter sentence, explaining that he was only 18 years old and was about to enter adulthood. He also highlighted his limited savings.
Rashid, meanwhile, told the court that he had relocated to Johor Bahru for a month. He also had to cover his motorcycle maintenance expenses while supporting his two younger siblings on his own.
Court imposed RM3,500 fine on each offender
The prosecution urged the court to impose heavier punishments, arguing that speeding and racing on an expressway could endanger the lives and safety of other road users.
The court subsequently ordered all three men to pay a fine of RM3,500 each.
The amount works out to approximately S$1,104 per person.
All three offenders were released after paying their respective fines.
The case serves as another reminder of the dangers of illegal street racing, particularly on busy expressways where other motorists may be travelling at high speeds.
For Singaporeans who regularly ride or drive into Malaysia, road regulations and traffic enforcement remain important considerations. Activities that may appear to be recreational or thrill-seeking can carry serious legal consequences, especially when they put other road users at risk.