Passenger fined RM5,000 for assaulting fellow traveller and spitting at cabin crew on Kuala Lumpur–Kuching flight.

KUCHING, May 14 — A 36-year-old man was fined RM5,000 by the Magistrates’ Court here today after pleading guilty to assaulting a fellow passenger, spitting on a cabin crew member and causing a disturbance during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching.

Magistrate Nursyaheeqa Nazwa Radzali imposed the fine on Mohd Izzan Mohd Hashim, with a default sentence of five months’ imprisonment if he fails to pay.

He was charged under Regulation 102 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016. The offence is punishable under Regulation 206(2)(A), which carries a maximum fine of RM25,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both.

According to the charge, Mohd Izzan repeatedly obstructed flight attendants from performing their duties during the April 22 flight. The incident occurred at about 6.25pm.

Case facts showed that an aviation security officer at Kuching International Airport was instructed by the airline’s station manager to wait at Gate 5 after reports of an aggressive passenger on board. The flight was scheduled to land at 6.50pm.

Upon arrival, Mohd Izzan was handed over to police for further action.

Investigations found that he punched another passenger in the face, spat at a crew member and created a disturbance that raised concerns about the safety of everyone on board and the security of the flight.

He is understood to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Afiq Safly Nor Kazly appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was unrepresented. — The Borneo Post