Man filmed smoking in petrol station charged

PETALING JAYA: A man who was filmed driving recklessly after being reprimanded for smoking at a petrol station in Damansara Damai here has been charged in the Magistrate's Court.

R. Simachalam, 35, pleaded not guilty today to a charge of driving his car in a reckless manner that endangered himself and other road users at Jalan PJU 10/10B Damansara Damai here at 2.25pm on Dec 9.

He was charged under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum jail term of five years and a fine of not less than RM5,000 and a maximum of RM15,000.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Husna Amran proposed bail of RM9,000 with one surety while lawyer V. Pushparajan, representing the accused, appealed for a lower bail citing that her client, who works as a grocery store assistant, is caring for dependents.

"The accused has to care for his 59-year-old mother and paralysed 39-year-old brother," said the lawyer.

Magistrate Farah Azura Mohd Saad allowed Simachalam bail of RM4,500 with one surety and fixed Jan 28, 2025, for mention.

It was reported that police are investigating a viral video showing an man smoking a cigarette in a petrol station area and then acting provocatively by driving dangerously when reprimanded for it.