Two jailed for overstaying

KOTA KINABALU: Two men were jailed for six months by the Sessions Court here yesterday for overstaying in Sabah.

Judge Azreena Aziz imposed the sentence on Alipin Semira, 40, and Doyonisius Mau, 39, after they admitted to a separate charge under Section 15 (1)(a) 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.

Alipin and Doyonisius, who stayed in the State after their passports expired for three years and three months, respectively, were caught in Kota Belud recently.

Both men, who were not represented, were ordered to be referred to the Immigration Department after serving their sentences.

Meanwhile, eight men and a woman were jailed between four and five months by the same court for entering the State illegally.

The judge imposed the jail sentence on the nine accused, aged between 20 and 34, after they pleaded guilty to each of their charges under Section 6 (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 and also liable to whipping, upon conviction.

The accused were caught during recent operations in Papar, Kota Belud, Kudat, Beaufort, Sipitang and here.

The judge also ordered six men to be whipped once while others were spared due to their age and gender and all of the accused to be referred to the Immigration Department after serving their sentences.