A pile of iron bars believed to have been cut away and stolen from the railings around the area sit on a trolley the couple were found pushing.
MIRI: Calls by some individuals here urging the authorities to consider a lighter sentence for the married couple allegedly caught stealing iron railings on Thursday has been met with mixed reactions.
Co-chairman for the Resident’s Committee (RC) 12 Lutong/Tudan, Councillor Misiah Abdullah said that stealing was a crime and the offenders should be punished accordingly.
“For a first-time offender, I agree for lighter penalties to be meted but for repeated offenders like this case, where the husband was recently released from serving a prison sentence for theft, it will be as if we are encouraging them, if lighter penalties are imposed.
“Both of them are healthy and can look for a job to earn a living. I do pity their innocent child, but stealing for a living is not the way,” said Misiah when contacted today.
She was asked to comment on a report earlier today in The Borneo Post quoting three members of the public who expressed their sympathy for the couple. They suggested lighter penalties.
The married couple were believed to have committed the offence as they were desperate to buy milk for their child.
Several members of the RC 12 Lutong/Tudan also voiced their displeasure that several individuals wanted lighter sentence for the couple.
Alexander Voo Chung Tet
“When one commits a wrongful act，you have to face the consequences. How is our society supposed to maintain law and order if the opposite were to happen?
“Undoubtedly we pity the child. There are many NGOs in Miri willing to assist, why not contact them or the Welfare Department for help?” said RC Miri coordinator Alexander Voo Chung Tet.
He stressed that RC members are volunteers, sacrificing their time and money to contribute to the community, adding that, “If public thinks that we are wrong then there is no point for us to continue,” said Voo.
According to RC member, Malateh Mahmud, the committee had received several calls condemning them for their actions.
“I have received a few condemning calls about this case since last night, and for me it’s all about the couple’s actions in committing the crime and I don’t think what JKP or RC is doing is wrong. If it is wrong, then I should quit,” said Malateh.
Local social activist George Francis urged the committee and the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the case before bringing the case to court.
“Are they really in dire straits? If so, release them on police bail. Otherwise charge them – the husband has already committed the offence, besides being an ex-convict involved in theft,” he said.
George also suggested that all concerned and relevant groups like elected representatives, the City Council, the Welfare Department and NGOs to come forward to assist in the case.
Miri police chief ACP Lim Meng Seah had said that upon conviction, the couple would face a prison term of 10 years and a fine under Section 380 of the Penal Code.
Miri City currently has 15 RC zones – Taman Tunku and Lambir; Jalan Bakam, Brighton and Luak; Lopeng and Riam; Canada Hill; Krokop; Piasau and RPR Batu 6; Pulau Melayu; Pujut; Perdana; Permyjaya New Township; Lutong and Tudan; Senadin; Kuala Baram and Bario.
Among RC’s main objectives are carrying out community policies, fostering the spirit of neighborliness and acting as the ‘eyes and ears’ in helping MCC to monitor the performances of its contractors while carrying out the council’s services at the respective residential areas.