KUALA LUMPUR - The High Court here today increased the jail sentence of an e-hailing driver who went viral for driving against traffic on Jalan Klang Lama two weeks ago, from three days to three months.
Judge Aslam Zainuddin ordered Wong Kok Kong, 32, to serve the enhanced sentence starting today. The court maintained the earlier penalties imposed by the Magistrate’s Court, namely a RM6,000 fine and a five-year driving licence revocation.
Earlier, Kuala Lumpur Prosecution Director Mohd Nordin Ismail urged the court to impose a stiffer punishment, arguing that the initial three-day jail term was insufficient to deter similar offences.
"I believe the sentence is not adequate and should be increased to ensure the public respects the law, especially when driving in busy areas in Kuala Lumpur,” he said, adding that the accused was fully aware of his actions as he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Defence counsel K. Gejalaxmi argued that the original sentence was fair, noting that her client’s guilty plea had saved the court’s time and that he was a first-time offender.
She also urged the court not to be influenced by public reaction on social media.
"My client has completed his three-day jail sentence and paid the fine. A longer imprisonment term would affect him as the sole breadwinner, especially as he also needs to care for his ailing father,” she said, adding that his income had already been impacted by the five-year licence suspension.
On April 6, Magistrate Tg Syazwany Yasmyn Tuan Roslan sentenced Wong to three days in jail and a RM6,000 fine, in default six months’ imprisonment. The court also ordered the suspension of his driving licence for five years.
Wong was charged under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving a white Proton Saga recklessly and in a manner dangerous to other road users at 9.44 am on April 5.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM15,000, and disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving licence for at least five years. - BERNAMA