Social media influencer fined RM2,000 for punching disabled restaurant worker

A SOCIAL media influencer was fined RM2,000 by the Petaling Jaya Magistrate's Court today after pleading guilty to punching a fast-food restaurant worker who was also a person with a disability (OKU) last year.

Magistrate Amira Sariaty Zainal imposed the sentence on Nalinee Kothandabani, 41, and ordered her to serve six months in jail if she failed to pay the fine. The accused paid the fine.

The mother of three, who is an information technology engineer, was charged with intentionally causing bodily harm to Rani Arumugam, 45, by punching the woman at a fast-food restaurant in Serdang Raya, Seri Kembangan, at 4 pm, December 8, 2025.

The charge was brought under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum prison sentence of one year or a fine or both.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Syed Ahmed Khabir Abdul Rahman prosecuted, while Nalinee was represented by G Devaneson, and Lavendran Nair held a watching brief on behalf of the victim.

Previously, Serdang District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Muhamad Farid Ahmad, was reported to have said that the victim suffered bruises on her left cheek and lip as a result of the incident. – March 17, 2026