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TWO individuals alleged to be part of a shoplifting syndicate appeared in the Magistrates’ Court in Melaka on Thursday, charged with stealing baby formula using a concealment method involving their clothing.
Meley Salih, a 50-year-old Filipina woman, and Surhaffizal Sabli, 33, from Tuaran, Sabah, pleaded not guilty to two counts of theft involving RM1,826.10 worth of formula milk on 2 August.
The charges, read before Magistrate Uthman Abd Ghani, allege that the pair, together with a third accomplice who has already been charged, stole 11 boxes of formula milk from two 99 Speedmart outlets located in Taman Paya Emas and Bandar Baru Sungai Udang around 7pm.
They were charged under Section 380 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34, which provides for imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine. Repeat offenders may also be subject to whipping upon conviction.
During proceedings, Inspector Nur Zaidah Muhamad Zailani, appearing for the prosecution, proposed bail at RM10,000 for each accused.
However, counsel for Meley, SS Amritpal Singh, appealed for a lower amount, citing her chronic health conditions, including hypertension and diabetes. He added that she supports three children and has been in custody since 9 August.
Surhaffizal's lawyer, Chua Yong Yi, told the court his client is a fisherman with eight dependents, including five stepchildren, and that his wife recently underwent surgery for a serious lung condition.
The court granted bail of RM2,500 each with one surety and set 7 October for the next mention and document submission. - Sept 4, 2025