TAWAU: A Perodua Myvi driver crashed into a pharmacy and a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) at Batu 3, Jalan Apas, last month, was fined RM10,000 or sentenced to four months’ jail in default by the Magistrates’ Court, Wednesday, for driving without due care and attention.
Chin Soon Sang (pic), 60, was sentenced by Magistrate Don Stiwin Malanjum after pleading guilty to the offence committed at Lorong Bintang Shophouse 8 at 3.30pm on Sept 29, 2026.
He was charged under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333/87), which provides for a fine of between RM5,000 and RM10,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months and endorsement of the offender’s driving licence upon conviction.
According to the facts of the case, Chin lost control of his Perodua Myvi while driving from Dr Shirley Lee Clinic at Batu 3, Jalan Apas, to his home in Taman Sri Impian.
While attempting to reverse his vehicle, he pressed the accelerator hard, causing the car to move forward and crash into Jasa Pharmacy.
After the first collision, the elderly man attempted to reverse again before hitting a Toyota Innova MPV parked beside his car.
The accused then shifted gears and pressed the accelerator hard, causing the car to move forward and repeatedly crash into the pharmacy and the Toyota Innova until the vehicle came to a stop and could no longer move.
The incident caused damage to Jasa Pharmacy, including a shattered front glass panel, with losses estimated at RM20,000.
The Toyota Innova sustained damage to its front section, including the bumper, bonnet, left and right front fenders, left headlamp, radiator and air-conditioning condenser.
The prosecution was conducted by Tawau district police headquarters Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division (BSPT) prosecuting officer ASP Joan Lee, while the accused was unrepresented.
In her submission for a heavier sentence, Joan urged the court to impose the maximum fine permitted by law, taking into account the accused’s degree of negligence, the extensive property damage and public interest.
She said the incident had gone viral on social media and attracted public attention, highlighting the importance of clearly communicating road safety messages to the community.
She said a firm and proportionate sentence would serve as a lesson to the accused and a reminder to the public that every driver is responsible for controlling their vehicle carefully.
