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THE couple sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for committing lewd acts at a cemetery in George Town has filed an appeal with the High Court, challenging the severity of the punishment imposed by the Magistrate’s Court.
The appeal was lodged on March 27 by their counsel, Datuk Naran Singh, who is seeking a revision of the sentence on the grounds that it is disproportionate.
“I filed the appeal to seek a review of the sentence, as 12 months’ imprisonment is excessive for them,” he said when contacted.
On March 26, Magistrate Nadratun Naim Mohd Saidi sentenced M Jegathesan, 58, and Halila Abu Bakar, 37, after they pleaded guilty to committing an act of gross indecency at a Chinese cemetery in Batu Gantung, Ayer Itam, at approximately 8.30am on March 22.
The offence, prosecuted under Section 377D of the Penal Code read together with Section 34, carries a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
The case came to public attention after a 38-second video depicting the incident circulated widely on social media.
The footage showed the couple engaging in indecent behaviour before being confronted by a member of the public, who warned that the matter would be reported to the authorities.
Following the circulation of the video, a complainant lodged a police report on the instruction of cemetery management, prompting an investigation that led to the couple’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.
The case has attracted significant public scrutiny, with the High Court now set to determine whether the custodial sentence imposed is proportionate to the offence committed. - March 28, 2026
