Lawyer in Malaysia outraged after woman’s throat-slashing case ends with over US$2,300 fine
A criminal lawyer has revealed how a woman, after suffering an 8 cm knife wound to the neck, saw charges reduced in court and was offered a RM12,000 (approximately US$2,846) “settlement” in place of justice she says she deserves.
- Woman suffered 8 cm throat wound from her boyfriend’s knife attack.
- Attempted murder charge was dropped in court; suspect fined RM10,000.
- Lawyer Yyin Tan condemned the ruling as a failure of justice.
- The case has triggered public outrage over lenient treatment of domestic violence.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — A Malaysian criminal lawyer has condemned what she called a “miscarriage of justice” after a man who nearly killed his girlfriend by slashing her throat was fined only RM12,000 (around US$2,846).
Attack left woman with deep neck wound
According to lawyer Yyin Tan, her client suffered an 8-centimetre knife wound to the neck that exposed flesh after being attacked by her boyfriend. The victim said the man threatened to kill her during the assault.
Tan said her client lodged a police report, but the case was initially classified under Section 323 of the Penal Code — “simple hurt,” which does not account for the use of a weapon. The classification was later upgraded to Section 324 (causing hurt with a weapon) and Section 307 (attempted murder).
However, when the case reached court, the attempted murder charge was dropped, leaving only the lesser offence under Section 324.
From attempted murder to a fine
Section 307 carries a mandatory prison sentence of up to 20 years, while Section 324 allows for jail, whipping, or fines — the latter often being imposed in such cases.
Tan said the defence first offered a RM12,000 (US$2,846) settlement, which she rejected. The accused later personally proposed RM70,000, but his lawyer intervened, insisting the offer remain RM12,000.
Even the prosecutor allegedly advised Tan to accept the settlement, telling her the judge “usually gives about RM8,000 (US$1,897).”
Tan told the court her client had endured over 20 incidents of abuse, and that the same man had been fined a month earlier under Section 323 for assaulting her.
Despite this history, the court sentenced the accused to a RM10,000 fine, leaving Tan and her client devastated.
Public outrage over lenient sentencing
In a viral Facebook post, Tan criticised the verdict, writing:
“Today, a man can beat you and walk away after paying a few thousand ringgit. Next month, he slashes your throat — again, just a fine. So what happens when you die? Will money still be enough to ‘settle’?”
The post has sparked widespread anger online, with many Malaysians questioning how serious violent crimes against women can result in such light punishments.
One user commented, “If attempted murder costs only RM10,000, what message are we sending to victims?” Another added, “The law must protect women — not convenience the abuser.”
