As the year draws to a close, it’s time to look back at the legal landscape in Kuching. The city witnessed a variety of cases this year, each making headlines for its unique nature and the subsequent legal proceedings. Here’s a detailed overview of some noteworthy cases:
December 7: Teen’s reckless escape after intimate encounter
A 19-year-old faced charges under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing police duties on Jalan Samariang. Caught in an intimate act with a female acquaintance, he attempted a daring escape, nearly colliding with officers. After a brief chase and collision, he was apprehended. Having known his partner for just a week through a social app, he pleaded guilty and was released on bail pending a social report.
October 30: Tragic death leads to juvenile sentences
Six teenage boys were directed to Henry Gurney School for their involvement in a security guard’s death. Admitting guilt under Section 304 of the Penal Code, the boys, aged 15 to 18, unintentionally caused the death of a 51-year-old man during an altercation outside a hotel. Two local men and a woman, previously sentenced, received prison terms for their roles in the same incident.
April 16: Police officer charged with rape
In a shocking case, a police officer, Junaidi, around 30, faced rape charges of a 23-year-old female detainee. The alleged incident occurred at the Commercial Crime Investigation Division Office of the Padawan District Police Headquarters in April of the previous year. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail, with the case set for further management.
August 9: Former student’s disturbing threat
A former student of Henry Gurney School pleaded guilty to criminal threats against his father, demanding RM100. The 20-year-old threatened to burn down their house, leading to his arrest. He was released on bail while awaiting a social report. The court considered the trauma caused to the complainant and the accused’s admission.
July 5: Drug offender faces imprisonment and caning
Mohd Afis Masot Saleh, 30, pleaded guilty to drug-related charges, possessing 9.09 grams of Methamphetamine and involvement in drug abuse. The Magistrate imposed a two-year prison sentence, three strokes of the cane, and a RM3,000 fine. Not represented by a lawyer, the accused was placed under police supervision for two years post-sentence.
July 4: Engineer fined for offensive messages
Engineer Sim Ngee Thiam, 45, was fined RM25,000 or faced 15 months in prison for sending racially and sexually explicit text messages to a telecommunications company officer. He pleaded guilty to five charges under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. He was represented by a lawyer, while the prosecution was handled by officers from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
June 22: Impersonation and robbery
Salidan Mohamad, 40, faced charges of impersonating a police officer and robbing a youth. He pleaded guilty to impersonation in the Magistrate’s Court and not guilty to robbery in the Sessions Court. Sentenced to six months in a related case, he was released on bail for the robbery charge.
June 14: Theft of women’s underwear
Three friends, Dayang Zaridah Abang Safian, Edthma Adzureran, and Fransiska Adriani, were sentenced to six days’ imprisonment and a RM2,000 fine for stealing women’s underwear from a clothing store. The estimated loss was RM400. The prosecution was handled by Inspector Merylene Lindan Andrew Mang.
April 12: Unlicensed firearm possession
Chia Lee Sheng, 31, faced charges in separate courts for possessing an unlicensed pistol and a police uniform without valid reasons. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded. The cases were prosecuted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Norshafatihah Nor Azmi and Inspector Merylene Lindan Andrew Mang.
July 15: Assault Over marital discord
Mohamad Nadzir Ayub, 42, was fined RM1,000 or sentenced to one month in prison for assaulting his ex-wife’s male friend. The incident, involving the use of a motorcycle helmet, occurred on July 15 in front of a restaurant on Jalan Astana. Nadzir pleaded guilty to intentionally causing hurt under Section 323 of the Penal Code.
The year’s legal affairs ranged from minor misdemeanors to severe crimes, with the judiciary playing a crucial role in dispensing justice and tackling diverse legal challenges.
