8-8-2024 (KUALLA LUMPUR) A controversial case involving a 12-year-old boy charged with underage driving has ignited a firestorm of public opinion across Malaysia, with social media users clamouring for severe punishment. The incident, which unfolded in the Puchong district of Selangor state, has sparked a national debate on parental responsibility and the appropriate handling of juvenile offences.
The young defendant, whose identity remains protected due to his age, appeared before a magistrate on Wednesday, accompanied by his mother. In a closed-door proceeding, he entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of operating a motor vehicle below the legal age of 16. The court granted his release on a bail of 500 ringgit, as reported by the national news agency Bernama.
The case stems from a viral video that depicted the boy recklessly driving a car through a residential area, with two even younger children precariously standing on the passenger seat. This footage not only caught the attention of authorities but also sparked outrage among Malaysian netizens.
If found guilty, the boy could face penalties including a fine of up to 2,000 ringgit, a maximum of six months in jail, or both. However, it’s worth noting that under Malaysian law, children under 10 years of age cannot be convicted of criminal offences.
The incident has also implicated the boy’s father, a Pakistani national with permanent residency in Malaysia. He faces two separate charges: allowing his underage son to drive a motor vehicle and neglecting to supervise the child’s activities, potentially resulting in physical harm. The father has pleaded not guilty to both charges, but if convicted, he could face severe penalties, including a fine of up to 50,000 ringgit and up to 20 years in prison for the neglect charge.
Public reaction to the case has been swift and largely unsympathetic. Many Malaysians have taken to social media platforms, particularly Facebook, to voice their disapproval of both the boy’s actions and his father’s alleged negligence. Some commenters have gone as far as to call for harsh punishments, with one user suggesting that the boy should face adult incarceration.
The case has also unfortunately stirred xenophobic sentiments, with numerous comments focusing on the father’s nationality. Some users have called for the revocation of his permanent residency status, while others have suggested deportation for both father and son.
However, amidst the sea of criticism, there are voices of moderation. Some commenters argue that the responsibility should fall solely on the parent, advocating for leniency towards the child. One user, Leslie Tan, commented, “Such a straightforward matter, just put the father in jail for the punishment. The children are innocent.”
The Sepang police, who investigated the incident, described it as a case of “joyriding in the neighbourhood” involving the 12-year-old and his two younger brothers, aged four and six. The viral video, running nearly two minutes, showed the car being driven roughly over a speed bump before being stopped by a concerned woman who reprimanded the young driver.
