Singaporean man and local youth claim trial over violent road rage brawl in Johor Bahru

JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 20 — A 46-year-old Singaporean man, Gary Lim Kian Liang, appeared in court today to face three charges following a violent road rage incident last Sunday. Lim pleaded not guilty to possessing a knife without a valid permit, obstructing a public servant, and causing injury. The alleged confrontation took place around 12.15am on Jalan Lingkaran Dalam, en route to the Sultan Iskandar Building.

He faces up to five years' imprisonment for the knife charge and up to 10 years for obstructing a public servant. Lim also faces a charge of causing injury to a 30-year-old local woman with a dangerous weapon, which could result in up to 10 years' imprisonment, a fine, whipping, or a combination of these penalties. The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutors Siti Fatimah Mamu and Izdhiyah Zahirah Ahmad Ghazali, while Lim was represented by S. Selvanteran and K. Shareveen.

Lim's mental health issues were disclosed during the bail application, and he was granted bail of RM20,000 with three local sureties, with the next mention scheduled for September 25. In a separate case, G. Thinesh Kumar, 28, claimed trial before Magistrate A. Shaarmini for causing injury to Lim with a motorcycle helmet. Thinesh, who was unrepresented, was granted bail of RM5,000 with one local surety, and his case is set for mention on September 14.

The charges stem from a brawl that erupted during a road disagreement involving three local men and one Singaporean, involving the use of weapons. A video showing the incident, where Lim obstructed a police officer, was widely shared on social media.