Tuaran: A Pakistani trader was fined a total of RM3,800 by the Magistrate’s Court on two counts of not wearing a face mask at his business outlet here during the movement control order (MCO) last year.
Inayatullah Shahinshah, 22, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Jessica Ombou Kakayun to commit the offence at two separate time at Inayahtullah Baba Enterprise in 2021.
Inayatullah was ordered to pay a fine of RM800 or two weeks’ jail for committing the offence at 3.15pm, on Feb 7, 2021.
He was fined another RM3,000 fine or two months jail for committing a similar offence at 12.30pm, on June 8, the same year.
The first count under Rule 17 (1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Rules 2021 which carries a fine of up to RM1,000 or a jail term of up to six months or both, on conviction, while the second count, provides a fine of up to RM50,000 or a jail term of up to six months or both, if convicted.
Unrepresented, Inayatullah requested for a lower fine by saying that he has dependants and that his business was not encouraging.
Tuaran Health Department prosecuting officer Delentine J. Lacius pressed for a deterrent sentence as a lesson to Inayataullah and a reminder to the public.
Delentine said Inayatullah committed a similar offence twice, which showed that he was not remorseful with his action.
He told the court that Inayatullah was initially compounded by the health authority but he disregarded the law even though he had been reminded to pay on time.
Delentine added that the premises is close to a public hotspot which is Rasa Ria Resort.
Inayatullah paid the fine.
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