Police escort fined for assaulting disabled e-hailing driver

KUALA LUMPUR - A police escort for a VIP was fined RM1,000 by the Magistrate’s Court here today after he pleaded guilty to punching an e-hailing driver with disabilities (OKU) who was waiting for his passenger in a hotel lobby last May.

Magistrate Farah Nabihah Muhamad Dan handed down the sentence to Lance Corporal Muhammad Taufik Ismail, 32, who admitted to the assault.

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

The accused was charged with voluntarily causing hurt to Ong Ing Keong, 47, at around 11.40am on May 28, outside a hotel lobby in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.

The charge framed under Section 323 of the Penal Code, provides for a prison term of up to one year, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both, upon conviction.

Muhammad Taufik, who was represented by lawyer A. Ashok, paid the fine.

According to the case facts, the incident occurred last May, when the driver, who is deaf and mute, stopped his car at a hotel lobby to pick up a passenger.

After waiting for about five minutes, his passenger entered the vehicle. The driver then noticed a group, including Muhammad Taufik, signaling him to leave. However, he couldn't understand their hand gestures due to his disability.

The driver lowered his window and gestured toward the accused using sign language to clarify the situation. Muhammad Taufik responded by punching the driver in the face, causing pain and swelling on the driver's right cheek.

The driver later left the scene, completed the passenger drop-off, and subsequently lodged a police report.

Further investigation confirmed that the accused was present as a police escort for a VIP, and a medical report verified swelling on the driver's face.

Earlier deputy public prosecutor Datuk Razali Che Ani requested an appropriate sentence, emphasising the public interest due to the involvement of a police personnel.

"The prosecution seeks a sentence that serves as a deterrent, reminding the accused and society to avoid similar actions. The victim, a person with disabilities, deserved assistance, not harm," said Razali, who handled the case with DPP Mohd Safarizal Zakaria.

Ashok meanwhile, sought a minimum fine, stating that his client is a lance corporal in the police force with nine years of service.

"In this case, the victim did not sustain serious injuries, and there were no motives or elements of severe crime or extreme violence involved. Furthermore, no weapons or tools were used to inflict harm.

"My client was fulfilling his security duties at the time while accompanying a VIP and has maintained a clean record throughout his career. He has expressed remorse and apologised to the victim and his family," Ashok said.

Also present was lawyer Zaid Malek, who was holding a watching brief on behalf of the victim. - BERNAMA