Filipina fined for work pass violation

KOTA KINABALU: A Filipina was fined RM600, in default, two weeks’ jail by the Sessions Court here yesterday for violating her work pass.

Judge Azreena Aziz imposed the fine on Russyl De Martin Bunayon, 38, after she pleaded guilty to breaching her pass by working as a prostitute at a hotel in Bandaran Berjaya here at 10.45pm on June 13.

The court heard that it was stated in the work pass that Russyl was allowed to work at a laundry shop.

The offence was framed under Rule 39 (b) of the Immigration Act 1963, which carries a jail term of up to six months, or a maximum fine of RM1,000, or both, upon conviction.

Russyl was also jailed for 10 months by the Magistrate’s Court here for soliciting for the purpose of prostitution.

She pleaded guilty before magistrate Jessica Ombou Kakayun to a charge under Section 372B of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum jail of one year or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

Russyl was caught committing the offence at the same place and time.

Meanwhile, 10 foreigners were sentenced to between four and five months’ jail by the Sessions Court here yesterday for entering the state illegally.

Judge Azreena Aziz passed the sentences on the foreigners after they pleaded guilty to each of their charges under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963.

The indictment provides for a fine of up to RM10,000, or a jail term of up to five years and also liable to whipping, upon conviction.

The men were also ordered to be whipped once while the others were spared due to their age.

All of the accused persons were arrested during a recent operation in Kudat, Papar and Beaufort.

The court ordered them to serve the jail sentence from the date of their arrest and to be referred to the Immigration Department after serving their sentences.