TAWAU: A plantation supervisor was fined RM2,000, in default two months’ imprisonment, and sentenced to four days in jail by the Magistrates’ Court here, Wednesday for participating in an unauthorised speed trial last month.
Magistrate Dayang Aidaku Amira Aminuddin imposed the sentence on M. Iwan Arajilul Karim, 29, after he pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 81(3) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
The court also ordered the suspension of his driving licence for one year.
The provision carries a maximum fine of RM2,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both, upon conviction for a first offence.
When asked by the court why he had taken part in illegal racing despite being 29 years old and old enough to understand the consequences, M. Iwan simply replied: “I am sorry, Your Honour.”According to the charge, M. Iwan, who was riding a motorcycle, participated in an unauthorised speed trial along a roadside near the Wedrink Balung shop at about 11.30pm on Oct 17, 2026.
The court heard that police personnel conducting Op Samseng Jalanan in the Apas Balung area spotted three motorcycles travelling at high speed from the Balung traffic lights towards the Sungai Balung Estate U-turn before making a U-turn and heading back at high speed.
Police personnel then pursued the accused’s motorcycle before intercepting and stopping him along the roadside near the shop.
He was subsequently taken to the Tawau District Police Headquarters (IPD), together with his motorcycle, for further action.
Earlier, Tawau IPD Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division (BSPT) prosecuting officer ASP Joan Lee urged the court to impose the maximum fine and an appropriate custodial sentence as a lesson to the accused and a warning to other road users who turn public roads into illegal racing circuits.
She said firm action was necessary to curb dangerous motorcycle riding, particularly in Balung, which had been identified as a hotspot for illegal racing activities.
She also highlighted a fatal incident in the area on Oct 30 as a reminder of the dangers posed by such activities.
