Salesman Gets 10 Years Jail, 2 Strokes of Cane for Federal Highway Cleaver Attack—July 9

A water filter salesman was sentenced to 10 years in prison and two strokes of the cane on July 9 after attacking a motorcyclist with a meat cleaver on the Federal Highway. Judge ‘Ainul Bashiirah Dona Don Biyajid imposed the sentence on Azmi Jantan, 43, who pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing grievous hurt under Section 326 of the Penal Code. The attack, triggered by honking, left the victim with fractures to his shoulder, arm, fingers, and wrist, plus head and face injuries.

How the attack unfolded

On June 11 at 8.19am, Azmi approached a motorcyclist stopped at the motorcycle lane of the Federal Highway near Section 13. The victim, a 45-year-old leasing executive at a postal and courier services company, was riding to work in Kuala Lumpur when the attack occurred. Azmi slashed him with a meat cleaver, causing fractures to his shoulder, left arm, fingers, and wrist, along with lacerations to his head and face. The road rage incident stemmed from the victim honking at Azmi on the highway.

Why the judge imposed a heavy sentence

Deputy public prosecutor Amir Saifullah Mohammad Sallehuddin urged the court to impose a severe sentence, citing the severity of injuries and public safety concerns. The meat cleaver is a weapon capable of causing death, and the prosecutor noted that Azmi was fortunate the victim survived. The prosecutor argued that a deterrent sentence was necessary to curb road bullying and extreme road rage, which could create fear among other road users. The charge under Section 326 of the Penal Code carries a maximum 20 years imprisonment, a fine, or whipping.

The defendant’s failed plea for leniency

Azmi, who appeared unrepresented in court, pleaded for a lighter sentence, telling the judge he had no dependants and did not know the victim. When asked why he was carrying the meat cleaver, he claimed he had brought it from his house to throw it away in a rubbish bin. Judge ‘Ainul Bashiirah said she had already considered his mitigation before passing sentence. Azmi was brought to court from Sungai Buloh Prison after failing to post RM15,000 bail. The jail term runs from his arrest date on June 11.

Final Thoughts

The sentence reflects Malaysia’s tough stance on road rage violence. With caning added to a decade-long prison term, the court sent a clear message that attacks over minor traffic incidents will face severe penalties.

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