Motorist In Traffic Cone-Throwing Incident Fined RM100 By Court

SHAH ALAM, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- A motorist who threw a traffic cone at another vehicle at the Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP) toll plaza last Saturday was fined RM100 by the Magistrate’s Court here today for abusive behaviour.

Magistrate Muhammad Syafiq Sulaiman imposed the fine on K. Kanapathi, 35, after he pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, which carries a maximum fine of RM100. The accused paid the fine.

According to the charge, Kanapathi, a lorry driver, behaved in an insulting manner by uttering abusive words at a foreign man, Daniel Owen Flower, 54, with the intent to insult him in a way that could provoke anger and disturb the peace.

He also threw the cone at Daniel Owen's car at about 5.25 pm, and a video of the incident has since gone viral. 

Earlier, Deputy Public Prosecutor Muaz Khawarizmi Azfar sought an appropriate sentence as a lesson to the accused. 

Lawyers Muhamad Saifullah Muhamad Azmi and M. Partiben, representing the accused, pleaded for a lenient sentence, saying their client was a first offender, has dependants, including two young children, and promised to be more cautious in future.

In mitigation, Muhamad Saifullah claimed that the accused’s actions were triggered by the complainant showing his middle finger during the incident.

Before sentencing, Muhammad Syafiq advised the accused to control his emotions and exercise tolerance while driving in future.

Subang Jaya district police chief ACP Wan Azlan Wan Mamat said the suspect, who is from Kuala Lumpur, surrendered himself at the Subang Jaya district police headquarters at about 11 am yesterday.

Wan Azlan said investigations found that the incident stemmed from a road misunderstanding when the suspect, who was driving a red Perodua Axia, attempted to enter the Touch ‘n Go lane and nearly grazed a Perodua Myvi driven by the foreigner.

-- BERNAMA