TAWAU: Two illegal immigrants were each sentenced to six months’ jail by the Sessions Court here on Tuesday for possessing 325 litres of controlled goods, namely petrol, without a licence.
Jamal Risal, 37, and Mad Kasim Saudi, 45, pleaded guilty before Judge Ahmad Faizadh Yahaya to having 13 jerry cans filled with petrol stored on a wooden boat in the waters off southern Mataking, Semporna, at 9.30am on Aug 14.
The petrol was found under circumstances that gave rise to reasonable suspicion of dealings in controlled goods without a valid licence, in contravention of Regulation 3(1) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974.
Both were charged under Section 22(1) of the Control of Supplies Act 1961, which carries a penalty of up to RM1 million in fines, imprisonment for up to three years, or both, upon conviction.
The court ordered that the jail sentences begin from the date of their arrest. Upon completion of their jail term, both men are to be referred to the Immigration Department for further action.
Prosecuting Officer Samat Mapiare of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry conducted the prosecution, while the accused were unrepresented.
