A 46-year-old Singaporean man has been jailed and fined after crashing his car into a Thai mookata restaurant in Johor Bahru (JB) while under the influence of alcohol.
Daniel Sim Kok Siong lost control of his Suzuki car and crashed into a Thai mookata restaurant along Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir on 5 March at about 10:50 pm. The restaurant is located less than 5km from the JB checkpoint.
Singaporean Driver’s Vehicle Crashes Through Thai Restaurant
The private-hire driver’s vehicle slammed into a wall and damaged tables and chairs in the establishment.
Video footage of the incident was shared on Facebook on 6 March 2025, showing the Singapore-registered black car in the middle of the restaurant surrounded by alarmed patrons.
In the clip, Sim, who was wearing a white T-shirt, attempted to slowly reverse out of the restaurant. However, he accidentally moved forward instead, leading to shouts from those present. His second attempt also resulted in forward movement, causing him to hit more tables and chairs.
At this point, Sim exited the vehicle and allowed another man to take control. The second driver successfully reversed the car out of the restaurant.
An eyewitness, identified only as Mr Tan, told The Straits Times that Sim had finished his meal and was attempting to leave the eatery when the crash occurred.
While backing out of the premises, Sim also hit a Honda vehicle parked outside the restaurant. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Blood Alcohol Level Three Times Legal Limit Results in Jail Time
JB South police chief Raub Selamat stated that Sim was arrested and tested with a breathalyser following the incident. When asked to take a second test, Sim refused to cooperate and was taken to the hospital for a toxicology test.
The court heard that his blood alcohol level was 165mg per 100ml, more than three times the legal limit of 50mg per 100ml under Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987.
Sim appeared at a Magistrate’s Court in JB on 14 March and pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol. Before sentencing, he apologized and expressed remorse, promising not to repeat his actions.
He asked for leniency, stating he earned S$5,000 per month as a private-hire driver in Singapore and was the sole breadwinner for his family. Sim told the court he supported his wife and three school-going children, and could not afford a large fine or long prison term.
The court sentenced Sim to two days’ jail and fined him RM12,000 (S$3,600). If he fails to pay the fine, his jail term will be extended to seven months. Additionally, Sim is banned from driving in Malaysia for two years.
According to police, the maximum sentence for his offence could have been up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to RM30,000 (S$9,000).
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