13 year-old teen tries to stab elderly Grab driver in Malaysia, possibly over fare dispute

KEDAH – A 13-year-old boy allegedly tried to stab a 65-year-old e-hailing driver in the left chest following a possible dispute over fare payment. According to Malaysian police, the elderly driver managed to turn the tables, seizing the knife and biting the teenager's hand in self-defence before the assailant fled the scene in Sungai Petani.

According to Assistant Commissioner Zaidy Che Hassan, Chief of the Kuala Muda District Police, the incident occurred on Monday (27 November) at 5.43pm, when the elderly driver received a Grab app order at Lorong Taman Keladi.

After boarding the ride, the teenage passenger allegedly requested a loan of RM50 for rent during the trip to Bandar Sri Astana.

When informed that he would be dropped off if he didn't have the money to pay, the teenager insisted on being taken to the house at Bandar Sri Astana get the money, according to a report by Berita Harian.

However, upon arriving at the destination, the passenger insisted to be brought back to Taman Keladi. After the debacle, the teenager eventually forked out the payment for the ride.

As the driver was returning his change, the teenager brandished a knife, attempting to snatch money from the driver's pocket. However, the elderly man fought back, seizing the knife and biting the teenager's hand in retaliation.

The police confiscated a 25cm black-handled knife left at the scene. A camera that was in installed in the e-hailing vehicle also recorded the incident. Police investigation revealed that the teenager was the eldest of four siblings.

"The teenager was arrested at 10pm last night, two hours after the e-hailing driver made a police report at 8pm," Zaidy said.

The e-hailing driver did not sustain any injuries from the altercation.

Do you have a story tip? Email: malaysia.newsroom@yahooinc.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube.