A 36-year-old man was fined RM5,000 by the Magistrates’ Court for causing a disturbance on board a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, including punching a passenger and spitting on a flight crew member.
Mohd Izzan Mohd Hashim pleaded guilty before Magistrate Nursyaheeqa Nazwa Radzali to a charge under Regulation 102 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016.
The court also ordered a default sentence of five months’ imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
Under Regulation 206(2)(A) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016, the offence carries a maximum fine of RM25,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both upon conviction.
According to the charge sheet, Mohd Izzan behaved aggressively towards flight crew members and repeatedly interfered with them from carrying out their duties during the flight on April 22.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 6.25pm on a flight travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching.
Court documents stated that an aviation security officer stationed at Kuching International Airport received instructions from the airline’s station manager to remain on standby at Gate 5 following reports of an unruly passenger onboard the aircraft.
Upon landing at around 6.50pm, the accused was handed over to police officers for further action.
Police investigations found that Mohd Izzan had allegedly punched another passenger in the face, spat on a flight attendant and caused chaos inside the aircraft, raising concerns over passenger safety and flight security.
It is understood that the accused was under the influence of alcohol during the incident.
Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Afiq Safly Nor Kazly appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was unrepresented.
