Kota Kinabalu: A 62-year-old former teacher who is currently serving sentence of 48 months for having fake notes, was freed from three charges of using two fake RM100 notes and attempting to use another fake note to buy groceries from a shop.
Aron @ Areon Rijak was discharged and acquitted by Sessions Court Judge Zaini Fishir who ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable against Aron.
On the first to second counts, Aron was accused of using the two fake RM100 notes to buy ice cubes and one tray of eggs.
He allegedly committed the offence on April 23 and 24, 2021 at 4.10pm and 5pm at the Pasar Mini Myshop Matupang, Ranau.
Aron was charged under Section 489B of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years and liable to fin, on conviction.
On the third count, Aron allegedly tried to use a fake RM100 note at noon on April 30, 2021 to buy a pack of noodles at the same shop.
The prosecution called eight witnesses, while four defence witnesses testified during the hearing.
Aron was called to enter his defence on April 24, 2025 after the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Aron.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Eugenie Meredith Gilbert conducted the prosecution while counsel Jaikol Situn defended Aron.
Meanwhile, a 34-year-old man was jailed five years and ordered to get two strokes of the cane for repeating to take syabu.
Abdul Satral Abdul Aziz pleaded guilty before Sessions Court Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan to the charge against him.
Abdul was found taking the drug at 12.45am on Sept 28, 2025 after his urine tested positive for drugs at the police station here.
He has two previous conviction records for taking syabu.
After serving the jail sentence, Abdul was ordered to be placed under police supervision for three years.
DPP Bryan Francis prosecuted.
