This woman named "Candi MieCi" took to Facebook to share about her encounter with the traffic police shortly after arriving in Penang. 

In an effort to warn others, she emphasized the importance of not using phones while driving. According to her post, Candi was driving around 9 am when she reached Penang. As she wasn't a local, she placed her phone on her lap to glance at the Waze navigation app. 

However, she was promptly spotted by a traffic police officer who issued her a ticket for "using a communication device while driving."

Candi told that she wasn't actively using her phone while driving, but rather had it on her lap to check Waze. She briefly picked up the phone when navigating a roundabout. 

She explained, "After going through the roundabout, I placed the phone back on my lap, but the police officer said even that was not allowed."

In addition to the fine, Candi was informed that she would have to appear in court. She warned others, "The police officer said the fine is no longer RM300, it's now RM1,000! Be careful, everyone... this trip turned out to be costly!"

The days of simply paying a fine for using a phone while driving are over. The new regulation, implemented on July 6, 2020, imposes heavier penalties for offenders. 

Under Section 17A of the Road Transport Act 1959, using a phone while driving is considered a criminal offence that requires a court appearance. For a first-time offence, individuals can be fined up to RM1,000 or face imprisonment for a maximum of three months. 

Repeat offenders can face a higher fine of up to RM2,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

Candi's Facebook post has sparked a discussion with many netizens sharing their own experiences and advice, suggesting that pleading in court may help reduce the fine and how she should opt in getting a phone holder instead.