The Tawau Magistrate’s Court fined a woman RM10,400 for driving without a licence and being drunk, after she pleaded guilty to the offences on December 6th.
Yapp Siao Fong was handed a RM10,000 fine and four days in jail for drink-driving by Magistrate Dayang Aidaku Amira Aminuddin, who also banned her from having a driving licence for two years, and fined her an additional RM400 for driving without a licence.
If she failed to settle the fines, the 38-year-old was also ordered to serve four months in jail.
Yapp was accused of committing the offences at Jalan Chong Thien Vun at about 12.40am on October 28th, as stated in the charge sheet.
Her breathalyser test showed that the alcohol content in her blood was over the permitted level of 50mg in 100ml of blood.
For driving under the influence of alcohol, she was charged under Section 45A(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a two-year jail term and a fine of up to RM30,000 if found guilty.
As for driving without a licence, the accused was charged under Section 26(1) of the same Act, which is punishable under Section 26(2), carrying a fine of up to RM2,000 or three months’ jail or both.
Prosecuting officer Asst Supt Joan Lee urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence against the accused, who was not represented, to serve as a lesson and take into account the public’s interest and prevent accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol.
“Cases of drink-driving in Tawau are on the rise. A deterrent sentence can serve as a reminder to the accused and other drivers,” said ASP Lee.
