In Malaysia, petrol stations have become a center for many activities. Aside from refueling cars, the operators have provided various services and conveniences such as cafes, convenience stores, prayer rooms, and restaurants.
While these services can increase their revenues, safety is at risk. As more people flock to these spots, there are higher chances that visitors can do reckless things. Recently, a video went viral on social media showing a group of youngsters cooking instant noodles at a petrol station. This video has caused anger and soon after, the owner of the video received a ton of backlash from internet users.
The misdemeanor also dragged a few others to court as netizens urged the police to track this group of young adults. Let’s dive in deeper to know how this act of negligence started.
From Fame to Shame: How One TikTok’s Video Spark Netizen’s Outburst
It is common knowledge that safety comes first when we visit petrol stations. Since petrol is highly flammable, precautions must be taken to avoid hazards and injuries. Safety rules like no smoking near the fuel pump or even using smartphones when handling the pump are just a few precautions that everyone must abide by.
However, common sense can be quite uncommon to some people. Recently, a TikTok user recorded and uploaded her instant noodles cookout session with her friends at Petron Genting Highlands. This incident happened on May 12th at 1:30 in the morning.
What seems like a fun TikTok video post showing a bunch of youngsters bonding over a wok of instant noodles and mini sausages suddenly went wrong. Users began to comment on her video, telling how foolish their act was. The video also showed this group of Honda Jazz owners crowding the parking lot, causing inconvenience to other visitors.
In the background, a patrol car siren could be heard. However, they looked nonchalant, laughing as if the siren was just a scare tactic to stop their cookout. This video amassed millions of views after being taken and reuploaded on many accounts on X.
Numerous Backlash From Netizens on Heated Comments
One of the things that triggered netizens’ anger the most was the video owner’s response to most of the comments she received. As people commented and said how dangerous her act was, she replied with sarcastic and aloof remarks. Most users said how easily these youngsters can cause fire hazards or worse, an explosion during the cookout.
Surprisingly, the video owner claimed that everything they did was completely safe. These Honda Jazz owners cooked instant noodles far away from the petroleum depot. However, a few X users who knew how the petrol station layout quickly debunked her claim. This instant noodles cookout was done exactly above the Petron fuel depot.
What’s worse is that they brought a portable stove and cooked everything like they were picnicking. Netizens also speculated that they were VIP kids involved in this dangerous activity as nobody in their right mind would be brave enough to do such an act.
Police’s Swift Action in Tracking the Cookout Attendees
On May 14th, the police received a report from a woman, who was believed to be Petron’s owner. Then they issued a warrant and arrested 15 individuals who appeared in the viral video. According to the Pahang Police Chief, Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman, those arrested were 10 men and 5 women, aged between 23 to 28 years old. Statements for official reports were also taken after they arrived at Bentong District Police Station. Then, they were released on police bail as the authorities began to conduct an official investigation.
Soon after the investigation report was submitted to the Deputy Public Prosecutor, four individuals were prosecuted. Meanwhile, the rest were released and made witnesses to this case. Each accused individual was fined RM500 by the Bentong Magistrate Court after they pleaded guilty to cooking with a portable stove at Petron Genting Highlands. Failure to pay the fine will also result in 3 days’ jail time.
Based on the charge sheet, they were accused of cooking with a stove at Genting petrol station, which is considered a reckless act that endangers the safety of others. This was a serious offense as cooking in a risky area like a petrol station is prohibited. The accused begged for the Magistrate to lower the fine under reasons like they were too hungry when the incident happened. One of the accused said that he already cooked the instant noodles at home, and they were just reheating them at the petrol station. Some of the accused also said that they must take care of their families. Thus, paying a hefty sum of fine would be burdensome.
As this was also their first offense, the Magistrate came to an agreed amount of RM500 fine. The authorities also made sure that this punishment served as a lesson. Police also have confirmed that there were no VIP family members involved in the incident.
The accused were prosecuted under Section 336 of The Penal Code for an act that threatened the personal safety of others. The authorities also reminded everyone to follow the rules and never imitate this irresponsible act.
