Mute man fined for syabu possession

KOTA KINABALU: An unemployed mute man was fined RM1,300, in default, 10 months’ jail by the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday for possessing 0.05 gram of syabu.

Magistrate Afiq Agoes imposed the fine on Timhar Ibno Hazar, 41, after the latter pleaded guilty to committing the offence at a rented house at Kampung Petagas in Putatan on October 18.

The unrepresented accused was convicted under Section 12 (2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 which is punishable by a fine of up to RM100,000 or a maximum jail of five years or both, upon conviction.

In pleading for a lenient sentence, the accused, who was assisted by his sister as his sign language interpreter, said he was currently jobless and only his wife was working.

He said his wife’s salary was not much and they had one child, aged two to support.

Meanwhile, three men were jailed for eight months by the same court for separate charges of consuming syabu.

Undocumented Amin Totong and Jeffri Majid, an IMM13 holder were also ordered to be referred to the Immigration Department after serving their jail terms while Donny Taimpin and Yusof Romi were ordered to be placed under police supervision for two years.

The four accused persons had pleaded guilty to their charges framed under Section 15 (1) (a) of the same Act which carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or a jail term of up to two years, upon conviction.

Prosecuting officer Inspector Lim Swee Beng appeared for the prosecution.