JOHOR BARU: A viral TikTok video prompted police to investigate an allegation that a woman commuter was provoked by a bus driver and forced off the vehicle, here, on May 2.
The footage posted by TikTok user ZSFESHHPA, narrated the alleged incident in Tamil.
The account user alleged that the victim had lodged a police report on the same day.
Johor Baru (South) police chief Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat confirmed that the 31-year-old woman lodged a police report on the incident.
Police investigation revealed the incident occurred in Johor Baru on Thursday at 9.10am, while the woman, who was heading for work, was onboard the bus.
"According to the victim, the bus driver was angry with her for not having paid the bus fare in the past, which sparked the altercation.
"However, there were no physical injuries," he said, adding that police were tracing the driver's whereabouts to record his statement.
The case is being investigated under Section 352 of the Penal Code, which stipulates that assault or use of criminal force without grave provocation can result in up to three months' imprisonment, a RM1,000 fine, or both.
Raub urged those who witnessed the incident to contact the police hotline at 07-2182323.
In the TikTok video, the woman claimed that she frequently travelled on the bus.
She admitted that she did not pay the fare in the past as she was out of small change.
She told the driver that she would pay him after changing the note, but claimed she could not find the bus after she alighted it.
The incident occurred several months ago, and she had forgotten about it, she said.
However, she said when she boarded the bus that day, the driver recognised her and demanded the fare rudely, which sparked the row.
She also claimed that although the bus was packed with passengers, nobody came to her aid.
