Subang jaya: A motorist who was involved in a traffic cone-throwing incident at the Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP) toll plaza last Saturday has been fined RM100 by the Magistrate's Court for his abusive behavior.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Magistrate Muhammad Syafiq Sulaiman imposed the fine on 35-year-old K. Kanapathi after he pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, which carries a maximum fine of RM100. The accused promptly paid the fine.

The charge stated that Kanapathi, a lorry driver, exhibited insulting behavior by using abusive language towards a foreign man, Daniel Owen Flower, 54, with the intent to provoke anger and disturb the peace. The incident, which included Kanapathi throwing a traffic cone at Flower's car, occurred around 5:25 pm and was captured on video, which has since gone viral.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Muaz Khawarizmi Azfar argued for an appropriate sentence to serve as a deterrent to the accused. However, defense lawyers Muhamad Saifullah Muhamad Azmi and M. Partiben requested leniency, citing Kanapathi's status as a first-time offender, his family responsibilities including two young children, and his promise to exercise greater caution in the future.

In mitigation, Muhamad Saifullah stated that the actions of the accused were provoked by the complainant, who allegedly made an obscene gesture during the incident.

Before delivering the sentence, Magistrate Muhammad Syafiq advised Kanapathi to manage his emotions and practice tolerance while driving in the future.

Subang Jaya district police chief ACP Wan Azlan Wan Mamat reported that the suspect, a Kuala Lumpur resident, surrendered himself at the Subang Jaya district police headquarters around 11 am the previous day. Wan Azlan mentioned that the incident was a result of a road misunderstanding when Kanapathi, driving a red Perodua Axia, attempted to enter the Touch 'n Go lane and nearly collided with a Perodua Myvi driven by the foreigner.