ICYMI: WATCH: A Bizarre Sighting Of Anchovies Washing Ashore At Pantai Sura, Dungun

After admitting to hitting an e-hailing driver with impairments (OKU) who was waiting for his customer in a hotel lobby last May, a police escort for a VIP was fined RM1,000 by the Magistrate's Court today.

Lance Corporal Muhammad Taufik Ismail, 32, who acknowledged the attack, was sentenced by Magistrate Farah Nabihah Muhamad Dan.

Farah Nabihah stated, "The court imposes a fine of RM1,000, or in default, a 20-day jail term."

The accused was charged with intentionally hurting Ong Ing Keong, 47 outside a hotel lobby in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur on May 28. 

According to Section 323 of the Penal Code, a conviction carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both.

Attorney A. Ashok represented Muhammad Taufik, who paid the fine.

The case facts state that the event happened in May of last year when the deaf and mute driver pulled over to pick up a passenger in a hotel lobby. His companion got inside the car after he waited for roughly five minutes. The driver was then told to leave by a group of people, among them Muhammad Taufik. However, because of his impairment, he was unable to comprehend their hand movements.

In order to make things clear, the driver dropped his window and made sign language gestures towards the accused. In response, Muhammad Taufik punched the driver in the face, causing the driver's right cheek to swell and hurt.

After completing the passenger drop-off and leaving the site, the driver filed a police report.

The accused's presence as a police escort for a VIP was confirmed by additional inquiry, and the driver's facial swelling was validated by a medical report.

Datuk Razali Che Ani, the deputy public prosecutor, had earlier asked for a suitable sentence, highlighting the public interest brought about by a police officer's involvement.

"The prosecution wants a penalty that reminds the accused and society not to do the same thing again. Razali, who worked with DPP Mohd Safarizal Zakaria on the case, stated that the victim, a person with impairments, deserved help rather than injury."

In the meantime, Ashok requested a low fine, citing his client's nine-year tenure as a lance corporal in the police department.

"In this instance, there were no elements of violent criminality or excessive violence, and the victim did not suffer any serious injuries. Moreover, no equipment or weapons were employed to do harm. My client, who has kept a spotless record throughout his career, was carrying out his security responsibilities at the time while going with a VIP. He has apologised to the victim and his family and expressed regret," Ashok stated.