KUALA LUMPUR: Taxi driver Chong Kim Fah was fined RM1,000 when he pleaded guilty to slapping a female driver until her lip bled.
Magistrate Nur A'Minahtul Mardiah Md Nor handed down the sentence on the 48-year-old for hurting Tan Yun Ceat, 26, during an argument at Jalan Angkosa, Dang Wangi here, around 7.40am last Monday.
The argument was triggered when their cars collided on the road which was congested with illegally-parked cars on both sides.
Chong slapped Tan on both cheeks, causing a minor bleeding on her lip.
She lodged a police report following a treatment at Selayang Hospital.
She later narrated the incident on social media.
Counsel Khairull Amin Abdullah pleaded for Chong to be let off with a fine because his client was a responsible person who pleaded guilty and was willing to be punished.
"He is truly repentant and promises not to repeat the offence," Khairull said, adding that his time in remand had taught him a lesson.
Deputy public prosecutor Noor Svetlana Mohd Noor Nordin however urged the court to impose a deterrent penalty to send a message to all road users to be more disciplined and understanding.
"Violence on the road is widespread and has become a topic on social media and local news.
"What would society think if a lesser penalty was given?" Noor Svetlana told the court.
Nur A'Minahtul fined Chong RM1,000 and ordered him to serve two months' jail if he fails to pay the fine.
Yesterday, consultant company director Khoo Kok Ann, 58, was charged at the Petaling Jaya Magistrate's Court with allegedly spitting at a Perodua Kenari belonging to Alisia Thean Wei Yun, 45, and causing damage to the personal assistant's car by bending the front wiper.
The alleged photos of him venting his anger on a woman’s car had also gone
viral on social media.