Farmer jailed for supporting terrorism

KUALA LUMPUR: A farmer was sentenced to a total of 11 years’ jail by the High Court here yesterday for supporting terrorism and possessing items related to the Daesh terrorist group.

Judge Datuk Azman Abdullah handed down the sentence on Zefrul Hashim, 40, who changed his plea to guilty when the case came up for mention yesterday.

He was sentenced to eight years’ jail on the charge of supporting the terrorist group, and three years’ jail for possession of terrorist-related items, to be served concurrently from the date of his arrest, which was March 16 last year.

In the judgment, Azman said the offence committed by the accused, including keeping images of people being slaughtered and shot at, was serious.

“For those having parents and family, don’t give the excuse of going to do jihad. Take care of them (parents and family) because that is the most important. Allah has promised heaven for those who take care of their parents and family,” he added.

Zefrul was charged with supporting the Daesh and Abu Sayyaf terrorist group by encouraging one ‘Zahra Alisha’ to leave Malaysia to carry out terrorist activities though a conversation on Facebook Messenger using the name ‘Abu Qaqa’.

He was charged with committing the offence at Tingkat Perpaduan 22, Taman Perpaduan, Ulu Kinta, Perak, between Feb 18 and March 9, 2017.

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

He was also charged with 109 images and 116 videos on acts by the terrorist groups in his handphone at the same place at 3.50 pm on March 6, 2017.

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

In mitigation, Zefrul, who was unrepresented, said he was remorse and promised not to repeat the mistake.

Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Fadzlan Mohd Noor prosecuted.

According to the facts of the case, in the conversation on Facebook Messenger, Zefrul had expressed his intention of joining the Abu Sayyaf group and had asked Zahra Alisha to follow him to Basilan, in the Philippines.