A restaurant assistant has been fined RM100 by the Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to using abusive language against a police officer during a traffic enforcement operation in Sentul.
Magistrate Nurul Izzah Hasan Basri imposed the fine on 25-year-old Muhammad Syarifuddin Abd Latif after he admitted to the offence on Thursday.
The court also ordered that he serve one day in jail if he failed to pay the fine. The accused subsequently settled the payment.
According to the charge, Muhammad Syarifuddin used insulting and abusive words towards a 27-year-old police officer with the intention of provoking anger.
The incident took place along Jalan Dato’ Senu, Sentul, at approximately 8.24am on June 8.
He was charged under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, which carries a maximum fine of RM100 upon conviction.
During mitigation, a lawyer from the National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK) appealed for the minimum sentence, informing the court that the accused worked as a restaurant assistant and was responsible for supporting both his parents.
The defence also highlighted that the accused had admitted his wrongdoing and expressed remorse for his actions.
However, deputy public prosecutor Nurainizatul Farhana Zainal urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence to serve as a lesson to the accused.
The case stems from an incident that gained public attention earlier this week after police arrested a man suspected of verbally abusing and recording an officer who was carrying out traffic enforcement duties.
Sentul district police chief Assistant Commissioner Basri Sagoni previously said the suspect approached the officer during the operation, filmed him using a mobile phone, acted provocatively and hurled insults after becoming unhappy about receiving a traffic summons.
The case serves as a reminder that individuals who obstruct or verbally abuse law enforcement officers performing their duties may face legal consequences under existing laws.
