Tour Van Driver Fined RM12,000 for Slapping, Beating Stepchildren With Pestle

KUALA LUMPUR: A tour van driver was fined RM12,000 by the Sessions Court here today after pleading guilty to two counts of abusing his two stepchildren last August.

The accused, Joharis Mahmod, 48, faces five months in prison if he fails to pay the fine.

He was also ordered to perform 72 hours of community service within six months and placed on a two-year good behaviour bond with a RM2,000 surety from one guarantor.

Judge Suhaila Haron handed down the sentence after Joharis pleaded guilty to both charges against him.

According to the two charges, he abused two children, aged 17 and nine, causing them injuries at an apartment unit in Pudu Impian 2, Cheras, here at 10.30pm on Aug 13.

The charges were brought under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction.

According to the facts of the case, a schoolteacher lodged a report after noticing physical injuries on one of the victims, prompting an investigation that led to Joharis’ arrest.

Based on the facts presented in court, Joharis slapped the first victim, aged nine, five times on both cheeks. He also struck the second victim, aged 17, with a stone mortar pestle and an iron.

Medical reports confirmed that the first victim suffered bruising on both cheeks, while the second victim sustained multiple bruises on the back and scalp.

Police also seized a stone mortar pestle and an iron used in the incident.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Md Subri Hashim urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence as a lesson to Joharis and a reminder to parents to be responsible for the children entrusted to their care.

“I also urge the court to consider the public interest in sending a clear message to the public,” he said.

However, Joharis, who was unrepresented, appealed for a lighter sentence, saying he earned only RM3,500 a month and had to support his five stepchildren and unemployed wife.

“I ask for a lighter sentence because I support my wife, who does not work, and the children. I promise I will not repeat the offence,” he said.

UTUSAN