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KUCHING, March 19 – A viral road rage incident involving an obscene hand gesture on Jalan Batu Kawa has caught the attention of the police, leading to an ongoing investigation.
Padawan District Police Chief, Supt Mohd Irwan Hafiz bin Md Radzi, confirmed that authorities have identified the woman allegedly involved in the case. The issue came to light after an 18-year-old local man lodged a police report at Kota Sentosa Police Station on March 18 at 5.50pm.
What Happened?
According to the complainant, while driving along Jalan Batu Kawa on March 15 at 4.46pm, a female driver suddenly cut across three lanes, almost colliding with his car. Shocked by the reckless move, the man honked his horn. Instead of moving on, the woman reportedly responded by showing an obscene middle finger gesture before brake-checking him and turning on her hazard lights.
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The incident escalated further when, as the man approached a nearby police station, the woman allegedly threw a bottle at his car before speeding off. The altercation, which was caught on video, quickly went viral on social media, sparking public debate over road safety and driver behaviour.
Legal Action Underway
Following the complaint, the Padawan police launched an investigation, classifying the case under Section 509 of the Penal Code. This law criminalises acts intended to insult a person’s modesty through words, gestures, or objects meant to be seen or heard by the victim.
If convicted, the offender could face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
Police Advice to Road Users
Supt Mohd Irwan reminded motorists to stay calm on the road and avoid actions that could lead to unnecessary disputes or conflicts.
“We urge all road users to drive responsibly and respect one another to maintain public order,” he said.
The incident has sparked discussions among Malaysians about road rage and reckless driving. Many netizens have called for stricter enforcement against aggressive drivers to ensure safer roads for everyone.