Kota Kinabalu: A 21-year-old man was fined RM2,000 or a month’s jail by the Magistrate’s Court here for having various types of fireworks without a permit.
Unemployed Brandon Wong pleaded guilty before Magistrate Stephanie Sherron Abbie to illegally having three boxes of fireworks on April 5 at 9.25am, in the car park of a hotel in Tanjung Aru.
The offence, under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957, carries a maximum jail term of seven years or a fine of up to RM10,000, or both, upon conviction.
According to the prosecution, Wong, who was detained by police during a raid at the said location, failed to produce any documents or permit related to the fireworks discovered at the back of his vehicle.
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Counsel Lim Ming Zoong, representing Wong, requested a reduced fine considering his unemployment and his intention to sell the fireworks to earn additional income.
In another case, a 29-year-old man was jailed six months for trespassing into a building in the city centre.
Jobless Shafiq Sharif admitted to committing the offence at the ground floor of Jesselton Quay, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, at 6.50am, on March 6, this year.
He was charged under Section 448 of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of up to three years or a fine of up to RM5,000 or both, on conviction.
Based on the facts presented by the prosecution, Shafiq was apprehended by the security guard who observed him attempting to open the door of a shop inside.
CCTV footage also captured Shafiq’s movements at the back of the building prior to trespassing, said the prosecution.
Meanwhile, a security guard was charged with breaking into a room in a primary school in Manggatal.
Muhammad Afiz pleaded guilty to committing the offence at the SK Tebobon Chief Clerk’s Room at 8.44pm, on May 4, as framed under Section 457 of the Penal Code.
However, the Magistrate fixed June 10 for instruction from the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s office following the complainant’s wish to withdraw the police report against the accused, as his family had already compensated for the losses.
Pending the date, Muhammad was released on a bail of RM1,000 in two sureties. Inspector Suzie S.K. prosecuted.
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