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The irresponsible actions of a group of Japanese car brand enthusiasts received the ire of Malaysians recently after a video of them gathering at a petrol station in Genting Highlands, Pahang went viral.
In the video, the Honda Jazz owners’ group can be seen parking their vehicles around the petrol station, causing congestion and inconveniencing other road users who visit the area.
Worse, the group gathered around a couple of gas stoves, cooking instant noodles and other snacks at a very precarious location: Right above the underground fuel tank reservoir of the petrol station.
A police siren could also be heard in the background near the middle of the video but the group seems nonchalant about the presence of the Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV) Unit of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
Following the video going viral online, the Bentong District Police Chief Superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar in a statement revealed that the police had received a police report regarding the incident.
He added that the police are now hunting down the individuals seen in the video and stressed that stern action will be taken against them.
So, what actions can be taken against the group for their irresponsible actions? Well, join us as we delve into the relevant laws of the case.
Section 268 of the Penal Code for public nuisance
One potential charge that individuals in the viral video face is Section 268 of the Penal Code for public nuisance below:
As per the above provision, the Honda Jazz owners’ group can be argued to have committed public nuisance as per Section 268(1) by causing obstruction, danger or annoyance to others at the petrol station.
Accordingly, should they be charged under Section 268, the car owners’ group may face punishment under Section 290 of the Penal Code below:
Therefore, if they’re charged and convicted, the group may be slapped with a fine of up to RM400.
Section 336 of the Penal Code for endangering lives or personal safety of others
Besides that, another relevant provision for the irresponsible actions of the Honda Jazz owners’ group is Section 336 of the Penal Code below:
Based on the viral video, the group can be argued to have acted negligently to the point of endangering the personal safety of others by cooking with a gas stove right above the fuel tank reservoir of the petrol station.
Should the group be charged and convicted under this Penal Code provision, they may face up to 3 months in jail or a fine of up to RM500 or both.
Moving forward, let’s hope that this case can be a reminder for everyone to not act recklessly in public, especially when the actions could endanger the safety of others. There’s nothing wrong about holding gatherings but make sure that the place and time is appropriate for the planned activities.
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