Taxi driver jailed six years for ramming, killing Rohingya passenger
MUAR: A taxi driver who rammed and killed a Rohingya passenger during a dispute over an unpaid fare was jailed six years and fined RM20,000 by the High Court here today.
A High Court in Muar has sentenced taxi driver R. Dhana Balan, 31, to six years in prison for the fatal ramming of a Rohingya passenger, along with a RM20,000 fine. If Dhana fails to pay the fine, an additional year of imprisonment will be added. The incident occurred on October 20, 2022, at Kilometre 16 of Jalan Kluang-Ayer Hitam near Sri Gading, Batu Pahat.
The victim, travelling from Johor Baru to Batu Pahat with his nephew, was asked for the fare by Dhana, who then demanded payment. After the victim offered four mobile phones to cover the shortfall, an argument ensued. Dhana stopped the taxi by the roadside, ordered the victim and his nephew to exit, and a fight broke out. During the altercation, the victim wielded a metal rod while Dhana held a piece of wood.
Subsequently, Dhana reversed the taxi at high speed, striking the victim as he attempted to protect his nephew. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The prosecutor, Siti Asmah Zainal Ariffin, represented the prosecution, while Dhana was represented by lawyer Chelva R. Suppiah.
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