A social media influencer was fined RM2,000 by the Petaling Jaya Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to assaulting a disabled (OKU) fast food restaurant employee last year.
Magistrate Amira Sariaty Zainal also ordered the accused, 41-year-old Nalinee Kothandabani, to serve six months in prison if she failed to pay the fine. The mother of three, who also works as an information technology engineer, paid the fine.
The incident occurred at approximately 4.00 pm on 8 December 2025, at a fast food outlet in Serdang Raya, Seri Kembangan. Nalinee was charged with intentionally causing hurt to 45-year-old Rani Arumugam by punching her. The assault resulted in the victim suffering bruising to her left cheek and lips, as previously reported by Serdang District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Muhamad Farid Ahmad.
The charge was framed under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a fine, or both.
During the proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Syed Ahmed Khabir Abdul Rahman conducted the case, while the accused was represented by lawyer G Devaneson. Lawyer Lavendran Nair was also present as a watching brief for the victim.
