Kota Kinabalu: Two brothers from China were each fined RM30,000, in default nine months’ jail, by the Sessions Court here for possessing uncertified mobile phones with the intention of selling them.
Yong Weilong, 25, pleaded guilty before Sessions Court Judge Zaini Fishir, while his brother, Yang Junjie, pleaded guilty before Sessions Court Judge Marlina Ibrahim.
Yong was found in possession of 123 iPhone 8 units at the departure gate of Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) at about 10.38pm on Aug 3.
Yang was found with 69 iPhone 8 units, four iPhone 7 units and one iPhone X at the same place and time.
The brothers, both businessmen, were charged with possessing the uncertified communication equipment with the intention of selling them.
They were charged under Regulation 16(1)(d) of the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000, punishable under Regulation 16(3).
The offence carries a maximum fine of RM300,000, or imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
In mitigation, counsel Mohd Al Hafidz Mohd Lokman sought leniency, saying his clients had shown remorse and that it was their first offence.
However, Deputy Public Prosecutors Mohd Fadzri Azham Zainudin and DK Alya Afiqah AK Johari urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence.
The prosecution said the mobile phones did not comply with prescribed technical standards and stressed that such requirements were important to ensure the proper functioning and integrity of Malaysia’s communication systems.
The court heard that the two Chinese nationals were scheduled to fly to Kuala Lumpur on a Malaysia Airlines flight when police, acting on information received, stopped them at the departure gate.
Police found a large quantity of mobile phones in their luggage and backpacks. Further investigation found that the brothers were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for possessing the phones.
