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A 43-YEAR-OLD unemployed woman was sentenced to two days’ jail and fined RM1,000 by the Magistrates’ Court in Kuala Lumpur on Friday after pleading guilty to stealing 27 items worth RM369.16, including food and cosmetics, to care for her mother suffering from dementia.
Uma Santhi Pakry @ Selvaraj admitted to the theft, which took place at a supermarket in Taman Maluri at 1.01pm on 17 September.
When questioned by Magistrate S Arunjothy about her actions, Uma explained: “The items were for cooking. They were all necessities for me and my mother for a whole month, as I rarely leave the house.”
The magistrate replied, “If your reason was just to cook, one or two items would be understandable — but 27? What was your justification?”
“I know what I did was wrong, and I apologise,” Uma responded.
She was charged under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.
The stolen items included basic groceries, with the cheapest being ‘Cheest Chiky Ball’ (RM3.80) and the most expensive a cosmetic product, ‘Garnier Sakura Glow’ (RM37.90).
During the proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nadia Eleena Jamaluddin Akbal called for a proportionate sentence to serve as a deterrent. However, Uma’s counsel, Mohammad Arifin Abdul Wahab, appealed for leniency.
“She admitted guilt early and saved the court’s time. She took the items for daily cooking needs with her elderly mother, regrets her actions, and promises not to reoffend,” he said.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Magistrate Arunjothy imposed a two-day custodial sentence effective from the date of arrest, along with a RM1,000 fine. Should she fail to pay the fine, Uma will serve a further seven days in prison. - September 19, 2025
