KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called for zero tolerance against those involved in road rage incidents.
Its president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai said the authorities need to send a clear message that violence against motorists in road rage incidents would not be tolerated.
He said strict punishment was needed against those who resorted to violence whenever there were traffic accidents.
In a statement issued today, Dr Muruga said the number of road rage cases seemed to be on the rise based on videos of such incidents being viralled.
The latest, he said, was the incident where a 27-year old man had assaulted a 67-year old victim who is a doctor.
Describing it as a shameful and disgraceful act, he said it was disturbing to hear of an elderly colleague becoming the latest victim of road rage.
"No one should go through such an experience.
"We wish our colleague a smooth and speedy recovery from the injuries sustained from the incident. We hope that the perpetrator will be brought to justice," he said.
Dr Muruga said an assault on an elderly person is a shameful and disgraceful act which deserves the heaviest penalty.
He called on the authorities to also revoke the driving licence of the perpetrator as there was a possibility of him becoming a danger to other road users.
He said while stricter punishment was needed as part of efforts to curb road rage incidents, the authorities also needed to look into the root causes of road rage.
"Road rage is a symptom of an underlying mental health issue that needs to be managed or treated.
"Those experiencing severe stress are advised to seek professional help if they are finding difficulties coping with stress," he said.
It was previously reported that police had arrested a local man for beating up and threatening a doctor
in a road crash incident in Ampang last week.
The incident happened at the Jalan Kolam Air Lama traffic light intersection involving a white Mercedes Benz driven by the suspect and the 67-year old doctor's vehicle.
A viral video of the incident showed the suspect punching and kicking the doctor.
The suspect has since been arrested and is under remand.