A taxi driver who fatally struck a Rohingya passenger during a dispute over an unpaid fare has been sentenced to six years in prison and fined RM20,000 by the High Court here.
Judge Kalyana Kumar Sockalingam handed down the sentence against R. Dhana Balan, 31, after accepting his guilty plea to an alternative charge under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
The court also ordered Dhana to serve an additional 12 months in prison if he fails to pay the fine. The provision carries a maximum 10-year jail sentence and a fine of up to RM50,000.
The incident happened between 6.50am and 7am on Oct 20, 2022, along Kilometre 16 of Jalan Kluang-Ayer Hitam near Sri Gading, Batu Pahat. Dhana had initially faced a charge under Section 302 of the Penal Code over the passenger’s death.
The victim had travelled from Johor Bahru to Batu Pahat with his nephew in Dhana’s taxi on Oct 19, 2022. After arriving, Dhana requested payment, but the victim said he did not have enough money.
The victim then offered four mobile phones from his bag to cover the outstanding fare. Dhana questioned whether the devices belonged to the passenger or had been stolen, leading to an argument.
Dhana subsequently stopped the taxi by the roadside and ordered the victim and his nephew out of the vehicle. The confrontation escalated into a physical fight, with the victim carrying a metal rod while Dhana armed himself with a piece of wood.
Dhana later returned to his taxi and allegedly reversed at speed, striking the victim as he attempted to shield his nephew. The victim fell unconscious and was subsequently pronounced dead.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Asmah Zainal Ariffin appeared for the prosecution, while Dhana was represented by lawyer Chelva R. Suppiah.
The case highlights how a dispute over a relatively small matter can escalate into a fatal confrontation, leaving a family bereaved and the accused facing years behind bars.
