Man denies hiring illegal immigrant

KOTA KINABALU: A man claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to hiring an illegal immigrant.

Chong Kok Ming, 35, who appeared before judge Azreena Aziz, was charged under Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

The indictment carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, or a jail term of up to 12 months, or both, for each illegal immigrant harboured, upon conviction.

He was alleged to have committed the offence at Si Wai Utama Sdn Bhd in Jalan Melagau, Sipitang on September 8.

Immigration Department prosecuting officer Hamisah Puteh told the court that the prosecution would call five witnesses to testify against the accused.

The court fixed March 9 next year for trial and released the accused, who was not represented, on RM5,000 bail with two local sureties, pending disposal of the case.

Meanwhile, a man was fined RM2,000, in default, 11 months in jail for retaining a stolen laptop.

Magistrate Cindy Mc Juce Balitus imposed the sentence on Eddy Syaiful, 32, after he pleaded guilty to the offence under Section 411 of the Penal Code as charged.

The indictment provides for a jail term of up to five years or a fine, to both, upon conviction.

He retained the stolen laptop worth RM3,996 which belonged to a woman in Putatan at 12.39pm on July 12.

Based on the facts of the case, the laptop owner lodged a police report on her missing laptop on the same day.

Inspector Albert Basirin prosecuted while the accused was represented by counsel Farazwin Haxdy.