Tawau woman slapped with RM10,400 fine for drink-driving, no driving licence

KOTA KINABALU: For driving without a licence and being drunk, a woman was fined a total of RM10,400 by the Tawau Magistrate’s Court after she pleaded guilty to the offences on Wednesday (Dec 6).

Magistrate Dayang Aidaku Amira Aminuddin handed a RM10,000 fine to Yapp Siao Fong and four days in jail for drink-driving, and banned her from having a driving licence for two years.

Dayang Aidaku also fined the accused another RM400 for driving without a licence.

The court also ordered the 38-year-old to serve four months in jail if she failed to settle the fines.

According to the charge sheet, Yapp was accused of committing the offences at Jalan Chong Thien Vun at about 12.40am on Oct 28 this year.

A breathalyser test on Yapp found 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 provides for 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).

The offence carries 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.

She also said the court should 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.