KOTA KINABALU: Five men, who were convicted of possessing fish bombs, were jailed and fined by the Sessions Court here yesterday.
Judge Azreena Aziz sent Abdul Sidin Arunas and Pandy Said to jail for 12 months while their co-accused Mohamad Shah Ben, Jeymar Melon and Razmil Sudnata were fined RM10,000, in default, 12 months’ jail after they changed their plea to that of guilty during their case management yesterday.
The accused admitted to having explosives in their possession when they were apprehended by authorities in a boat near Mengalum Island here on June 29 at around 2.25am.
Upon conviction, the joint charge under Section 26(1) (b) of the Fisheries Act 1985 provides for a fine of up to RM20,000 or a maximum jail term of two years, or both.
According to the facts of the case, the explosives were found in two plastic bottles in the boat, and chemical reports later confirmed that they would be used to make fish bombs.
Among other things also found were dead and live fish, a fishing rod, a diving mirror and a mask.
Due to the detrimental nature of the offence towards marine life, prosecuting officer Robin Justin from the Fisheries Department urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence on the accused.
Meanwhile, 16 foreigners were jailed between four and five months by the same court for separate charges of entering the State illegally.
The accused, aged between 18 and 45, received the custodial sentence after pleading guilty to their respective charges under Section 6(1) (c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which carries a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or a jail term of up to five years, upon conviction.
In addition, the court ordered one stroke of the cane to be given to the accused and referred them to the Immigration Department after serving their sentences.
Appearing for the prosecution was prosecuting officer ASP Sabrina Jinius.