Zoo keeper jailed for supporting terrorist group

KUALA LUMPUR: A zoo keeper was sentenced to a total of 13 years’ jail by the High Court here yesterday after he pleaded guilty to charges with giving support to the Daesh terrorist group and possession of terrorism-related items.

Mohd Shahrullizam Ramli, who has a child, made the guilty plea after the charges were read out before judge Datuk Mohd Sofian Abd Razak.

On the charge of giving support to the terrorist group, Mohd Shahrullizam, 31, was sentenced to 10 years jail and three years’ jail on the charge with possession of terrorismrelated items.

However, he was ordered to serve the jail sentences concurrently from the date of his arrest on July 19 last year.

When handing down the judgment, Mohd Sofian said terrorism was a threat to the country.

Mohd Shahrullizam was charged with giving support to the terrorist group through a Telegram application using the name “Sharul” at 177-B5 Batu 11, Gombak here between March 25 and June 29 last year.

The charge, under Section 130J(1)(a) of the Penal Code, provides an imprisonment for life, or for up to 30 years, or with fine, and shall also be liable to forfeiture of any property used or intended to be used in connection with the commission of the offence.

On the second count, Mohd Shahrullizam was charged with possession of terrorismrelated items which included a car sticker, flag and head-band with the Daesh logo at the same place on July 19, 2016.

The charge, under Section 130JB(1)(a) of the Penal Code, provides an imprisonment for up to seven years, or fine, and shall also be liable to forfeiture of the items concerned.

In mitigation, Mohd Shahrullizam’s lawyer, N. Sivanesan, said his client, who had no previous record, regretted his actions and promised to not repeat the mistakes.

Deputy public prosecutor Noor Syazwani Mohamad Sobry prosecuted. - Bernama