A deaf e-hailing driver who was punched by a VVIP security escort outside a luxurius hotel in Kuala Lumpur has filed a civil suit against the officer, the police force and the government, claiming he was assaulted and that his police report was mishandled.
Ong Ing Keong filed the lawsuit at the High Court on July 10, naming Lance Corporal Muhammad Taufik Ismail, Inspector Che W Hashimi Rafsanjani Che W Raksan, the Kuala Lumpur police chief, the Inspector-General of Police, and the government as defendants.
Claims assault happened while picking up passengers at KL hotel
Ong, who is registered as a person with disabilities, said the incident took place on May 28, 2024, while he was picking up four passengers outside the St Regis Hotel in KL Sentral.
According to his statement of claim, several individuals approached him and asked him to move his vehicle while his passengers were boarding.
Ong claimed that after his passengers had entered the car and he was preparing to leave, Taufik who was allegedly dressed in plain clothes, suddenly punched him in the face through the open driver’s window.
He said the attack caused facial pain, soft tissue injuries and bruising under his upper lip. The incident was also captured on his dashboard camera.
Claims police mishandled report and seized phone
After the incident, Ong lodged a police report and sought medical treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
However, he alleged that officers at the Travers police station took his mobile phone after viewing the dashcam footage.
Ong claimed he was told that his phone would only be returned if he withdrew his police report and delete the video recording. He said being without his phone for several hours affected his ability to communicate, especially as he relies on it as his main communication tool.
No interpreter provided, says driver
Ong also claimed that despite being a person with a disability, he was not provided with a sign language interpreter or any translation assistance while at the police station. He further alleged that his movements were restricted and that Hashimi pressured him to settle the matter by accepting RM800 in compensation.
Ong said he initially agreed because he feared his phone might not be returned, but later informed police that he wanted to continue with the investigation.
Seeking damages over alleged misconduct
In the civil suit, Ong is seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages for alleged assault, battery, negligence, misfeasance in public office, and breaches of duties under the Police Act and the Persons with Disabilities Act.
Security escort previously fined RM1,000
On Nov 4, 2024, Taufik was fined RM1,000 or 20 days’ jail in default after pleading guilty to voluntarily causing hurt to Ong.
He was charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code for allegedly committing the offence at the hotel lobby at about 11.40am on May 28, 2024.
Royal link denied after controversy
Following the incident, Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said attempts to link the royal institution with the alleged assault were unwarranted.
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