13 illegals jailed up to five months
KOTA KINABALU: Thirteen men were jailed between four and five months by the Sessions Court here yesterday for entering Sabah illegally.
Judge Azreena Aziz imposed the sentence on Abdul Abrera, 39, Majid Abu Bakar, 35, Nahiri Usai, 55, Mukmin Osman, 31, Basran Hassan, 20, Al Hassan, 21, Mohd Sharif Osman Ali, 18, Ferhy Amin, 20, Majuk Ahmad, 26, Ali Jol, 22, Lius Tambaru, 32, Nasir Majid, 21, and Abdullah Yunus, 42, after they pleaded guilty to separate charges under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The indictment carries a maximum fine of RM10,000 or a jail term of up to five years or both and whipping of not more than six strokes of the cane, upon conviction.
They were apprehended by the authority during separate operations in Kota Belud, Papar and here recently.
Nine men also received a stroke of the cane each, while others were spared due to their age and to be referred to the Immigration Department after serving the sentences for their biometrics data to be recorded before being deported back to their country.
Meanwhile, two suspected militants identified only as Abdul and Majid were brought to the court by police from the Counter Terrorism Division of the Special Branch.
According to a source, the two Filipinos were under investigation as they were believed to be involved in terrorism activities.
Abdul was arrested in Kinarut while Majid was arrested in Ranau town on November 10 and 8, respectively.
In a separate case a Timorese man was jailed five months for overstaying in the state.
Yohan Bura Tukan, 53, pleaded guilty before the judge under Section 15 (1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The indictment provides for a maximum fine of RM10,000 or a jail term of up to five years, or both, upon conviction.
He had overstayed for seven years as his passport had expired since October 24, 2011.