Lorry Driver Jailed One Day, Fined RM8,000 For Obscene Gesture And Dangerous Driving In Balik Pulau

KUALA LUMPUR,June, 2026 – A 37-year-old lorry driver was sentenced to one day in jail, fined RM8,000 and disqualified from holding a driving licence for five years by the Balik Pulau Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to two charges involving an obscene gesture and dangerous driving.

The accused, Tan Chee Gang, was sentenced by Magistrate Chia Huey Ting after admitting to both offences, which were committed along Jalan Tun Dr Awang, Balik Pulau, at about 11.27am on May 28, 2026.

For the first charge, Tan was accused of committing an insulting act by showing an obscene gesture, specifically raising his middle finger at another motorist with the intention of causing fear. The charge was framed under Section 507B of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum jail term of three years, a fine, or both upon conviction.

For the second charge, Tan was accused of driving in a manner dangerous to other road users. He was charged under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of RM15,000 and disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving licence for up to five years.

The court imposed a RM3,000 fine for the first offence. For the second offence, Tan was sentenced to one day in jail, fined RM5,000, had his driving licence endorsed and was disqualified from driving for five years.

Magistrate Chia also ordered Tan to serve six months in jail if he failed to pay either of the fines. The prosecution was handled by deputy public prosecutor Ikmal Affandi Zulkifli, while the accused was represented by Yayasan Bantuan Guaman Kebangsaan lawyer Chester.

The case attracted public attention after a video of the incident went viral on social media. Police arrested Tan on May 30 to assis

According to Bernama, the 58-second viral video showed the accused, who was driving a Perodua Myvi, making an obscene gesture before stopping his vehicle in front of the victim’s car. He was then seen exiting the vehicle while carrying an object believed to be an iron rod and swinging it towards the victim’s car.

The incident has again raised public concern over road rage and dangerous driving behaviour in Malaysia. While disputes between motorists can happen on the road, aggressive actions such as blocking another vehicle, threatening behaviour and reckless driving can quickly escalate into serious criminal and traffic offences.

Road safety remains a major public issue because dangerous driving does not only endanger the individuals involved in a dispute. It can also put other motorists, passengers, pedestrians and nearby road users at risk.

The court’s sentence sends a clear message that aggressive conduct on the road can lead to legal consequences. In this case, the punishment included not only a fine and jail sentence, but also a five-year driving disqualification, which directly affects the accused’s ability to legally drive.

The case is also a reminder that viral videos can play an important role in investigations. When road incidents are recorded and shared online, authorities may use the footage to identify suspects, verify what happened and support enforcement action.

However, members of the public should still report such incidents through proper channels instead of only sharing them online. Official reports allow police to investigate the case according to legal procedures and take appropriate action if offences are identified.

For drivers, the safest response during a road dispute is to avoid confrontation. If another motorist behaves aggressively, road users should remain calm, avoid retaliation, keep a safe distance and contact authorities if necessary.

This case also shows the importance of emotional control while driving. Road rage often begins with anger, frustration or impatience, but it can lead to serious legal consequences when a driver acts dangerously or threatens another person.

the Balik Pulau case highlights the risks of aggressive driving behaviour and the importance of respecting other road users. With Tan now fined, jailed for one day and banned from driving for five years, the incident serves as a warning that dangerous actions on the road can have lasting consequences.