DUO JAILED FOR ILLEGAL ENTRY
Suspected militants given a stroke of the rotan each
TWO individuals suspected to be involved in Abu Sayyaf militant activities were sentenced to jail by the Sessions Court here yesterday after they pleaded guilty to entering the state illegally.
Judge Azreena Aziz sentenced Majid Abu Bakar, 35, to four months’ jail and Abdul Abrera, 39, to five months’ jail. She ordered the duo to serve their sentences from the date of their arrest.
Azreena also imposed a stroke of the rotan against the accused, who hailed from the Philippines.
According to their charge sheet, Abdul, who had entered the country since 1995, was arrested on Nov 10 in Kinarut, Papar, while Majid was arrested on Nov 8 in Ranau. Majid allegedly entered the country two months ago.
Both accused worked as construction workers and were charged under Section 6 of the Immigration Act 1963.
It is learnt that the duo are being investigated under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) for their alleged involvement in militant activities.
The court also sentenced 11 individuals to five months’ jail each after they pleaded guilty to staying in the country illegally.
All the accused, aged between 18 and 55, were arrested in several districts.
Prosecuting officer Assistant Superintendent Sabrina Jinius prosecuted, while all the accused were unrepresented.