The RM5,500 fine for a brutal attack on a 70-year-old man in Cheras isn't just a legal outcome—it's a gut punch to the public's sense of justice. When a minor collision leads to a senior citizen being punched, kicked, and threatened with death, a monetary penalty feels less like justice and more like a transaction. As Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye of Malaysia's National Road Safety Council (MKJR) warns, such a fine risks being seen as a mere "fee for misconduct" rather than a meaningful deterrent.
This case has ignited a crucial question: when road rage turns violent, is a fine ever enough?
How the law currently sees road rage
In Malaysia, there is no specific offense called "road rage." Violent incidents are prosecuted under a patchwork of existing laws, which can lead to penalties that feel disconnected from the public danger and trauma caused.
The common legal frameworks used for reckless or dangerous driving covered under the Road Transport Act 1987. Penalties can include fines up to RM10,000 or imprisonment.
Assault and criminal intimidation charges like those in the Cheras case (Sections 323 and 506 of the Penal Code) for causing hurt and threats.
General traffic offences and other aggressive acts may fall under various minor traffic violations.
The core criticism is that this framework treats violent road rage as a collection of separate minor offenses, failing to recognize it as a unique and serious act of public violence that endangers entire communities.
A look at how other societies respond inother countries have moved decisively to treat road rage with the seriousness it demands, focusing on public protection, deterrence, and rehabilitation.
Japan legally defines "obstructive driving" (like sudden braking to menace others) and imposes penalties of up to five years imprisonment and license invalidation. For driving causing death or injury, penalties can reach 15 years' imprisonment.
https://www.npa.go.jp/english/bureau/traffic/StopDrivingtoObstructTraffic.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Australia (New South Wales) has specific offenses like "predatory driving" (pursuing another vehicle to cause impact) and "menacing driving," which carry severe penalties including imprisonment and unlimited license disqualification.
United Kingdom sentencing guidelines mandate that aggressive driving (like sudden lane changes or cutting off others) can be prosecuted as "dangerous driving," which carries a maximum penalty of two years' custody and an obligatory driving ban.
There must be meaningful road reform.
The public anger over the Cheras case is a demand for change. Meaningful legal reform would require more than adjusting fine amounts; it would involve a fundamental shift in viewing violent road rage as a threat to public safety. Key measures could include:
1. Create a specific, aggravated offense
establishing a clear "aggravated road rage" or "violent driving" offense within the Road Transport Act. This would legally recognize the unique context and danger of violence that erupts from traffic disputes.
2. Mandate license suspension and rehabilitation for offenders. Conviction should trigger an automatic driving license suspension. Restoration should be contingent on completing certified anger-management and behavioural rehabilitation programs.
3. Center justice on the victim, sentencing must look beyond fines to the state. It should mandate compensation for victims covering medical costs, therapy, and other losses, ensuring justice addresses the harm where it was felt.
4. Ensure consistency and deterrence where Parliament should establish national sentencing guidelines to ensure similar offenses receive similar punishments nationwide, strengthening deterrence and public trust.
What do religion says in treating elderly
The Qur’an commands kindness to parents, especially in old age (17:23–24).
“Honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12). Christianity
Serving parents and elders is a sacred dharma (duty). Hinduism
Caring for elderly parents repays a moral debt. Buddhism
“You shall rise before the aged” (Leviticus 19:32). Judaism
Service (seva) to parents and elderly is encouraged. Sikhism
“The father and mother are the two luminous lights in the heaven of knowledge and understanding.” Baha'i faith
A fine can settle a debt, but it cannot heal trauma, restore a sense of security, or deter future violence. As Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye stated, there is "absolutely no justification" for taking the law into one's own hands on the road. Strengthening the law is not about harshness for its own sake; it is about clearly affirming that our shared roads must be spaces of civility, not violence.
K.T.Maran Social, Environmental & Animal Activist
K.T. Maran (maran.kt@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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