Scrap metal collector jailed for threat over Cola drink

KOTA KINABALU: A scrap metal collector, who put his workmate in fear with a machete for not giving him a carbonated soft drink, was jailed for one year by the Magistrate's Court here yesterday.

Magistrate Cindy Mc Juce Balitus imposed the sentence on Fong Hon Fah, 53, after he pleaded guilty to committing the offence in a room at a workers house in Kampung Kibabaig, Penampang on July 16.

The accused was convicted under Section 506 of the Penal Code which provides for a jail term of up to two years or a fine or both, upon conviction.

Prosecuting officer Inspector Albert Basiri told the court that before the incident, the 58-yearold victim was having a rest and enjoying his Cola drink in his room at the said place, when suddenly a man (later known as the accused) entered the room in an angry manner with his right hand holding a machete.

The accused demanded the victim give him the Cola, which the accused claimed was given by a customer.

The victim explained that he had bought the Cola and no Cola was given by a customer. The accused then threatened to slash the victim with the machete if the victim did not give him the Cola.

Further investigation by the police showed that the accused and the victim had known each other as they were working at a same work place for almost one and a half months.

Throughout the period, both of them had never had any misunderstanding but they very seldom talked to each other.

In mitigation, the accused, who was represented by a lawyer from the National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK) Sitti Nurul Ain Sahidah Pitting, urged the court to give her client a short custodial sentence while the prosecution pressed for an appropriate punishment to be given to the accused.

Sitti Nurul Ain was assisted by YBGK counsel Jacquelene Danica L. Vun.