A van driver was fined RM8,000 by the Magistrate’s Court in Ipoh today after pleading guilty to causing damage to six vehicles in a viral parking lot incident at the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) Ipoh station last Sunday.
Magistrate Anis Hanini Abdullah imposed the fine on R. Vikneshwaran, 42, and ordered him to serve two months in jail if he fails to pay. The accused paid the fine in court.
According to the charge, Vikneshwaran, who was driving a Toyota Hiace van, was accused of driving carelessly and failing to pay proper attention to the safety of other road users. The offence took place at the KTM Ipoh station parking area around 2:54 a.m. on October 5.
He was charged under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Amendment 2020), which carries a fine between RM5,000 and RM10,000, or up to 12 months in prison. His driver’s license will also be endorsed with the offence.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Amal Aziemah Abs Kohar urged the court to impose the maximum fine, citing significant property damage and public concern since the incident occurred in a public area.
The van driven by Vikneshwaran reportedly damaged six parked vehicles at the station, along with the company-owned van he was driving.
Vikneshwaran, who was unrepresented, pleaded for leniency, saying he is the sole breadwinner supporting two school-going children and his elderly parents. The magistrate ordered that details of the offence be recorded on his driver’s license.
