KOTA KINABALU: A local labourer who molested a 22-year-old woman was jailed 10 months and fined RM3,000, in default, three months’ imprisonment by the Magistrate’s Court here, yesterday.
Jaludin Maidin, 47, admitted before magistrate Cindy Mc Juce Balitus to a charge under Section 354 of the Penal Code which provides for a jail term of up to three years or a fine or whipping, or any two of such punishments, upon conviction.
The facts of the case stated that on July 19, the victim was on duty at the counter of a hotel in Sinsuran and was listening to music on her cellphone when the accused suddenly came from behind naked and rubbed his private parts on her right leg.
The victim was shocked and shouted, causing the accused, who was staying in the hotel, to run back into his room.
She then called her female cousin who went to the accused’s room to ask him what he had done to the victim.
The accused told the victim’s cousin that he wanted to check out from the room but later changed his mind.
A police personnel later came after being informed by the victim’s cousin and the accused, who had fled, was later arrested.
In mitigation, Jaludin pleaded for a light sentence saying he was drunk when he committed the offence.
Prosecuting officer Inspector Zahiri Saad prayed for an appropriate sentence taking into account public interest and the gravity of the offence.