JOHOR BAHRU: A restaurant worker received a 10-day jail sentence and a fine of RM10,000 from the Magistrate’s Court for reckless driving that endangered lives. The incident occurred last Friday when the worker ran a red light and drove against traffic.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Muhammad Syafiq Jefri, 28, admitted guilt after the charge was presented before Magistrate Mohammad Izham Mohd Aliyas. The magistrate ordered an additional seven-month prison term if the fine is not paid. Furthermore, Muhammad Syafiq’s driving license was suspended, preventing him from obtaining one for five years, and any probationary license he possessed was revoked.

The charge stemmed from an incident at the Jalan Lingkaran Dalam intersection at 3:45 a.m. on December 27. Muhammad Syafiq faced charges under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333/87), which allows for a maximum five-year prison sentence, fines ranging from RM5,000 to RM15,000, and a mandatory five-year suspension of a driving license.

The Act stipulates stricter penalties for repeat offenders, including a 10-year disqualification from obtaining a driving license and the revocation of any probationary license. Johor Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department Inspector S. Vikineswary prosecuted the case, while Muhammad Syafiq was without legal representation.