BATU PAHAT: A 20-year-old factory storekeeper was fined RM800 at the magistrate's court here today for assaulting his girlfriend when she did not reply to his "good morning" message.
Muhamad Nurhaqimi Harun pleaded guilty after the charge was out to him by a court interpreter before magistrate Suhaila Shafi'uddin.
Muhamad was accused of causing injury to his 20-year-old girlfriend at a pet store in Jalan Parit Bilal at 12.15pm on Oct 10.
He was charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which carries up to one year in jail, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both, if convicted.
Police investigations revealed that a confrontation began after the accused's girlfriend brought lunch to the accused at his workplace.
She was unhappy that his "good morning sayang" message went unanswered on WhatsApp.
Muhamad then struck her on the left cheek, causing minor injuries.
The victim sought treatment at Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital and lodged a report at the Batu Pahat district police headquarters.
Deputy public prosecutor Farah Wahidah Mohd Sharip prosecuted, while the accused was represented by Mohd Razak Shariff.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the court imposed the RM800 fine, with a 14-day prison term in default.